One could argue that Reamde has a lot of flaws: for one, all of his characters think of similar tactics in the action sequences, and this analysis, which interesting, can feel repetitive. In addition, the
romantic subplots aren't remotely believable, feeling almost insultingly tacked
on. Despite this, Stephenson’s strengths – his ideas and his digressions –
shine through. Stephenson’s knowledge is encyclopedic, and so he can write authoritatively
about a wide range of topics. Here, enjoying the ride thorough his convoluted plot,
I learned an incredible amount about Xiamen, Eritrea, constructing virtual
realities, money transfers, how to illegally cross borders, the difficulties in
decrypting computer files, and guns. Lots and lots of guns.
Reamde is a smart book that carries you along with its
enthusiasms, a thriller as much at home with databases and social media as it
is with gunplay and secret agents. If reading over 1000 pages of this stuff
sounds like your cup of tea, dive in, because Stephenson’s the best in the game.
Cross Posted on Reading, Running and Red Sox
Cross Posted on Reading, Running and Red Sox
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