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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One if my top two best books of a lifetime and I’m 74. Astonishingly creative, by an author with a dizzying intellect. Check out his other books too.
This is one of my all-time favorites! It takes a bit of time to get into, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Excellent science! Terrific characters! Plenty of twists…and I mean some really mind-bending twists! Neal Stephenson at his best! Enjoy!
Neal Stephenson is one of my favorites
Stephenson can be hard to get into, as his worlds are so involved and complex. I have given up on some of his books that followed Snow Crash. But this one is a more compelling story that drew me into Stephenson’s world. And of course, the author’s heavy literary style also keeps me turning to my dictionary to figure out exactly what he is …
Well written and thought-provoking. This is one author who’s books I will buy and read, sight unseen – and can know I’ll enjoy thoroughly.
I don’t think this was as good as Stephenson’s other books and I hated the ending.
Love the blend of philoshopy, theology, and science in this story. Like all of his books this is not for the faint of heart, it is dense and complicated, but definitley worth the effort.
I will read anything by Mr. Gaiman.
It’s a pretty long read and deeply geeky – I loved it!
Neal Stephenson at his very best. A unique take on how a society might look at (and deal with) STEM fields.
Good story, but Stephenson is just SO long-winded.
Neil Stephenson’s books are always several things, witty, fast paced, great characters, and wonderfully long. I love long books that hold my interest from beginning to end. Can’t wait for his next one.
Typical Neal Stephenson; you have to sort of drag your way through the first several chapters but then as things fall into place it becomes obvious what a real genius this guy is. The amount of thought, planning, imagination, and coordination that obviously have to go into coming up with a yarn like this beyond belief. I honestly think that …
Not for everyone. Very philosophy based.
A great introduction to Stephenson’s writing. Truly epic alternate reality where science rules a cloistered society. Like much of his work he does not shy away from mathematics and hard science. Not an easy read by any means but I was absolutely absorbed. Clever and satisfying ending.
Stephenson is a favorite Author – simply doesn’t write enough books!
I’ve read Anathem three times. It’s that good and that deep. Complex ideas, great characters, a believable alternate reality, and lots of plot twists. But you are going to need to use your brain if you want to enjoy this one.
Very unique premise, but not Neal Stephenson’s best
Neal Stephenson’s best, and that’s saying a lot.
My first read of this author and made me a fan