Erasmas, “Razï,” is a young avout living in the Concent, a sanctuary for mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers. Three times during history’s darkest epochs, violence has invaded and devastated the cloistered community. Yet the avout have always managed to adapt in the wake of catastrophe.
But they now prepare to open the Concentïs gates to the outside world, in celebration of a … once-a-decade rite. Suddenly, Erasmas finds himself a major player in a drama that will determine the future of his world as he sets out on an extraordinary odyssey that will carry him to the most dangerous, inhospitable corners of the planets and beyond.
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Possibly my favourite Neal Stephenson book, and that’s a high bar!
The depth of world-building—one of his inarguable strengths as a writer—exist as absolutely essential components of the story, not just window dressing. As the world expands from a tiny, constrained microcosm you learn, with delight and wonder, how each seemingly independent …
Neal Stephenson is one of the most original and far-thinking authors I know of. Anathem is very different in tone from many of his other novels but themes of coming-of-age and the emotional/psychological development dynamic are as present here as in most of his works. The slow build-up of seemingly minor and disparate events draws the reader in …
Some novelists give us popcorn: snacks of characters interacting in episodes of tasty enjoyment, to be read and then forgotten three hours later. I like popcorn—but whether it is a pricey gourmet treat with truffle oil or capers and cheddar, or an almost-scorched microwave bag of munchies, popcorn is not memorable. You consume and move on.
Other …
Once again NS comes at you from the blindside and delivers a knockout story that pushes the boundaries.
I really thought this one should have won the Hugo rather than Red Shirts. (Sorry Scalzi!)
Difficult to follow.
How good is this one? I really liked some of his other books.
This book takes a bit of work to get started, but is worth the effort. Very thought provoking as to how civilizations develop.
here’s the thing….there are no books by neal stephenson that you don’t want to read. that’s pretty much it.
Slow start, but really picks up speed later. Lots to think about.
Again one of the giants in speculative fiction
Hard to go wrong picking up one of his books
The long and twisted story of a novice monk who lives in a future world not unlike our own. A fantastic world to get lost in!
One of my favorites by him.
Neal Stephenson is the sort of science-fiction writer that keeps me reading science-fiction. Anathem was a bit challenging for me to read–it took awhile for me to get hooked on the story–but it was worth it. It is an excellent example of “sense of wonder” science fiction.
This is my new favorite book.
I could go on and on, but as a writer who likes to read, maybe I can simply sum it up.
LONG: check. Who wants good books to end?
INTELLIGENT: I learned some things new. And it was a brain-twister from the get-go.
ATMOSPHERIC: maybe that means interesting worldbuilding? Anyway, you’re plunged headlong into the life …
Not an easy book to get through, but I do so love reading Neal Stephenson.
Is it possible for a book to be both meditative and action packed? To be a mystery book and truly sci fi? This book hits a lot of marks very successfully and was impossible to put down. The beginning is slow but bear with it— the pay off it worth it.
Somehow the pseudo Middle Age type world that the book depicts didn’t really interest me.
Neal Stephenson is one of my favorite authors—his writing is finely crafted, his backgrounds are carefully researched and fully realized. A thought provoking read.
Some novelists give us popcorn: snacks of characters interacting in episodes of tasty enjoyment, to be read and then forgotten three hours later. I like popcorn—but whether it is a pricey gourmet treat with truffle oil or capers and cheddar, or an almost-scorched microwave bag of munchies, popcorn is not memorable. You consume and move on.
Other …