Neuromancer
by William Gibson
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Book Summary Information
Author: William GibsonIntroduction: William Gibson
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-11-02
ISBN: 0441012035
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Ace Hardcover
Book Reviews of Neuromancer
Book Review: 4 1/2 stars
Summary: 4 Stars
This is undoubtedly a science fiction classic, and its imagination and style are rightly lauded. Many reviewers have noted that the technologies, and the cyberspace of the matrix itself, described in the text are sometimes difficult to comprehend and visualize. This is because Gibson leaves the details up to the reader and instead provides the concepts, the frameworks in which the reader sorts out the imagery. This does sometimes make for a confusing read as I could understand a readers need for background knowledge. But thats not a big deal as the power of its themes, and the richness of its world are enough to guide you through.
One theme that is rarely mentioned in reviews is that of the idea of biology/nature being subjugated under technology. Case derogatorily refers to his own body as "meat", and nearly everyone in this world is supplemented with plastic surgery or some form of technological aids. Its as though natural biological processes are seen as a nuisance, something to be thrown away in favor of wired computation. In one of my favorite scenes in the book, Case recalls dealing with a wasps nest in a nasty motel. After the nest drops and opens, its insides are described as grotesque factory with all stages of life, from egg to larvae to full grown wasps, perversely put on display. I cringed while reading this and felt the horror Case felt right before he pulled the trigger to extinguish the nest with a flame thrower.
However, one flaw of this book, and the reason I take away half a star (but amazon doesn't let you), is the way in which the characters are written. They often feel flat and one dimensional, and their personalties seem to disappear for long periods of time. This sometimes makes for a slow read during the less action oriented parts of the novel.
Nevertheless, this book is a must read for modern science fiction fans.
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