by Neal Stephenson
ISBN: 978-0-241-95318-1
First published 1992
440 pages
Cover design: David Wilson
6/5 Stars
A great start to the Eclectic Book Review site. 6 stars out of 5. Neal Stephenson creates a lifelike world after the demise of the USA and the resultant rise of the ‘Burbs and other enclaves (The MAFIA, Greater Hong Kong, … ) . Imagine a computer virus, that also infects the human using the computer. With a great exposition of ancient religion as practiced in Sumeria, this book combines computer science, archaeology and pizza delivery.
- What is the future of pizza delivery?
- What is the future of courier services?
- What is the future for virtual reality?
- What is the future for religion?
Great characters are written, believable and sympathetically drawn. Raven, Y.T., and the hero, Hiro Protagonist, his name being the only nod to conventional story telling. Sub-plots involving the remains of the FBI and Y.T.’s mum, and cute, mutilated robot dogs (“Here FIDO!”). This book has everything and more, including a great chase and climax.
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