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Pattern Recognition

Book 1 in the series:Blue Ant

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'Pattern Recognition' by William Gibson is a modern thriller where Cayce Pollard, an advertising consultant allergic to brand logos, is drawn into a hunt to uncover the mysterious creator of enigmatic internet videos known as 'The Footage'. Set in the aftermath of 9/11, the novel offers a unique perspective on a post-terror world, blending elements of mystery, technology, and psychological intrigue. Gibson's writing style, characterized by vivid descriptions of global locations and a focus on trend spotting and advertising, immerses readers in a world where paranoia and mystery intertwine with the protagonist's personal journey of discovery.

Gibson's narrative unfolds in present tense, creating a sense of immediacy that enhances the reader's engagement with Cayce's quest. Through intricate world-building and nuanced character development, the novel explores themes of materialism, media culture, and the impact of technology on society. Despite some readers finding the plot slow at times and the technology descriptions dated, the book's ability to blend elements of science fiction with real-world issues like post-9/11 anxieties and cultural trends makes it a compelling read that delves into the complexities of modern life.

Characters:

The characters are well-crafted, with Cayce serving as a deeply empathetic protagonist in a world full of diverse, eccentric figures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by sharp, minimalist prose that immerses the reader in a contemporary setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Cayce Pollard's investigation into anonymous video clips, reflecting on branding and the post-9/11 world.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary, capturing a world influenced by the aftermath of 9/11 and the rise of globalization.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and methodical, gradually building towards a climactic resolution.
It is that flat and spectral non-hour, awash in limbic tides, brainstem stirring fitfully, flashing inappropriate reptilian demands for sex, food, sedation, all of the above, and none really an option...

Notes:

William Gibson is known for his influential cyberpunk works, particularly 'Neuromancer'.
'Pattern Recognition' was published in 2003 and is set in a recognizable near-future world.
The novel explores the events surrounding 9/11, integrating it into the protagonist's backstory.
Cayce Pollard, the main character, is a 'coolhunter' with a sensitivity to branding, treated as an allergy.
Gibson's writing style is described as economic and sometimes austere yet capable of conveying deep emotions.
The plot revolves around mysterious viral videos known as the 'footage', which Cayce becomes obsessed with tracking down.
Cayce travels to various cities including London, Tokyo, and Moscow during her quest, reflecting on global culture and advertising.
The book delves into themes of consumerism, branding, and the impacts of technology on society.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes related to terrorism, corporate manipulation, and psychological distress, particularly related to the 9/11 attacks.

From The Publisher:

"Pattern Recognition is William Gibson's best book since he rewrote all the rules in Neuromancer."-Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods

"One of the first authentic and vital novels of the 21st century."-The Washington Post Book World

The accolades and acclaim are endless for William Gibson's coast-to-coast bestseller. Set in the post-9/11 present, Pattern Recognition is the story of one woman's never-ending search for the now…

Cayce Pollard is a new kind of prophet-a world-renowned "coolhunter" who predicts the hottest trends. While in London to evaluate the redesign of a famous corporate logo, she's offered a different assignment: find the creator of the obscure, enigmatic video clips being uploaded to the internet-footage that is generating massive underground buzz worldwide.

Still haunted by the memory of her missing father-a Cold War security guru who disappeared in downtown Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001-Cayce is soon traveling through parallel universes of marketing, globalization, and terror, heading always for the still point where the three converge. From London to Tokyo to Moscow, she follows the implications of a secret as disturbing-and compelling-as the twenty-first century promises to be…

Ratings (18)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (30):

Read It (19)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
1 month

An excellent book with an amazingly well-drawn main character. The ending itself seemed kind of sudden, but so much of the book up to that point was so excellent, it is easy to overlook this minor fault.

 

About the Author:

William Gibson is credited with having coined the term "cyberspace" and having envisioned both the Internet and virtual reality before either existed. He is the author of Neuromancer, Count Zero, Mona Lisa Overdrive, Burning Chrome, Virtual Light, Idoru, All Tomorrow's Parties,…

 
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