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Anathem

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'Anathem' by Neal Stephenson is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into a parallel world where scientists and mathematicians live in cloistered communities, exploring profound issues of physics, cosmology, and philosophy. The book follows the journey of Fraa Erasmus, a member of a monastic sect, as he uncovers mysteries and navigates a complex society with limited interaction with the outside world. The story unfolds slowly, revealing a world rich in detail and depth, challenging readers with its intricate plot and unique language.

The writing style of 'Anathem' is characterized by its slow pace, Tolkeinian depth, and intricate world-building. The book presents a mix of adventure, philosophical exploration, and scientific concepts, weaving together themes of quantum mechanics, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Despite its length and complex terminology, the novel captivates readers with its grand ideas and meticulous attention to detail, offering a blend of speculative fiction and intellectual exploration.

Characters:

Characters serve as both representatives of their philosophical ideals and relatable human beings, engaging with both personal and existential dilemmas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and complex, utilizing a unique vocabulary that enhances worldbuilding while challenging the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together a quest narrative about intellectuals confronting existential threats in a world where science has been cloistered.

Setting:

The setting is meticulously crafted, reflecting a world where intellectual pursuits are isolated from broader society, creating tension between knowledge and ignorance.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow buildup that intensifies toward an action-driven climax, requiring patience from the reader.
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Notes:

Neal Stephenson is considered one of the most brilliant living authors in the US.
Anathem explores the relationship between religion and science in a unique way.
The novel is set in a world called Arbre, which has a history similar to Earth's but diverged significantly.
The first three thousand years of Arbre's written history mirrors the last three thousand years of human history on Earth.
Philosophy and mathematics play a central role in the story, particularly through the experiences of the avout, the scholars in cloisters.
The characters engage in complex philosophical discussions, sometimes likened to long Socratic dialogues.
The book presents a vision where science is almost considered a religion, with monastic orders devoting themselves to its study.
Readers often find the initial chapters daunting due to the introduction of many new terms and concepts.
As readers progress, they generally adapt to the invented terminology and immerse themselves in the story.
The story becomes more engaging after the initial setup, as action and adventure elements come into play significantly in the latter half of the book.
Many readers feel that the ending of Anathem ties together complex themes well, although some find it abrupt or unsatisfying.
The narrative features a first-person perspective, primarily through the character Fraa Erasmas, who provides insight into the cloistered life.
Stephenson’s world-building is often praised for its depth and detail, enriching the reader's experience.

From The Publisher:

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, Anathem is perhaps the most brilliant literary invention to date from the incomparable Neal Stephenson, who rocked the world with Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and The Baroque Cycle. Now he imagines an alternate universe where scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians live in seclusion behind ancient monastery walls until they are called back into the world to deal with a crisis of astronomical proportions.

Anathem won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and the reviews for have been dazzling: "Brilliant" (South Florida Sun-Sentinel), "Daring" (Boston Globe), "Immensely entertaining" (New York Times Book Review), "A tour de force" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), while Time magazine proclaims, "The great novel of ideas…has morphed into science fiction, and Neal Stephenson is its foremost practitioner."

Ratings (32)

Incredible (16)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (59):

Read It (31)
Want To Read (25)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (1)
 
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