Liked It“Like all good science fiction (or good literature in general, for that matter), "The Diamond Age" is much more than just an exciting escapist fantasy: it is a sprawling, deeply philosophical exploration of the human condition, containing layers of meaning that transcend the outlines of its plot....” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It“I found the Diamond Age to be an overly convoluted read that haphazardly jumps from one outlandish situation to the next without engrossing the reader along the way. Neal Stephenson demonstrates his ability to elegantly describe a scene to the reader but he regularly does so to an unnecessarily...” see full review » see other reviews » |
“Like all good science fiction (or good literature in general, for that matter), "The Diamond Age" is much more than just an exciting escapist fantasy: it is a sprawling, deeply philosophical exploration of the human condition, containing layers of meaning that transcend the outlines of its plot. Just like the "Primer", it relates to our own life, our own contemporary society, and can offer us worthwhile lessons about the workings of society and our place within it - while keeping us entertained at the same time.
Bravo, Neal Stephenson! You really are an alchemist, and this novel is pure gold!”
“Very involving story. In true Stephenson style, there are bits of philosophy and ideas that can change the way you look at things. Down side..the thing just up and ends at a fairly awkward point. ”
Liam G wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I found the Diamond Age to be an overly convoluted read that haphazardly jumps from one outlandish situation to the next without engrossing the reader along the way. Neal Stephenson demonstrates his ability to elegantly describe a scene to the reader but he regularly does so to an unnecessarily laborious degree. Throughout the book it seemed that he focused far too much energy on attempting to dazzle the reader with his take on the future without developing a coherent story within that setting.”
pheedsta wrote this review Friday, November 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“One of my all time favorites. I recommend Snow Crash first.”
Christopher C wrote this review Tuesday, October 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“there are some amazing ideas in this book”
Mark K wrote this review Friday, October 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I liked it. Interesting blend of Edwardian culture and High Tech.”
Michael S wrote this review Thursday, October 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I like when science-fiction is confusing. It has to be. But this book isn't confusing until the very, very end. The whole time you think you know what's going on and that all these characters are connected in some grande epic way and you can't wait for the climax. And then you turn the last page and realize you have no idea what any of it was about. What did it all mean? is what I was left wondering. And finally deciding on "it was about nothing" is more satisfying than figuring it out.”
Matt Jones wrote this review Wednesday, September 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I Read this every year.”
MM wrote this review Wednesday, September 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No