Anathem
category: science fiction, author:Neal Stephenson
original copyright 2008read in July 2012
Agamedes' opinion: 7 out of 10, well worth reading
Round about page 100, one of the characters complained about his life. "If only something would happen," he said. Strangely enough, I had been thinking the same thing.
This is a very slow-moving book.
Perhaps it was near page 150 that I was reminded of the standard advice to authors: Show, don't tell. Perhaps Stephenson has read that advice. Perhaps he didn't understand it.
Here's the hero. He's spent many pages in earnest discussion with other characters. And, occasionally, with himself. Now, thinks Stephenson, it's time to show something... So what does he do? The hero shows some tourists round a museum, while telling them -- and us -- some more of the history of his world...
Boring!
Still, it does get better.
Anathem is a textbook, a primer, in quantum physics. Wrapped up in a slow-moving story of "alien" invasion. The textbook material is quite good... Several times I found myself thinking, Wow! so that's what [some esoteric theory of physics] is all about!
This book does hit many of the essential points of traditional "hard" science fiction. One major scientific theme. Clever but cardboard characters. Scientific theory made practical to save the world. Hero is logical, understanding, brilliant. There's a token love interest. Rest of the world is, by and large, cooperative.
Look, I may sound as though I think that this book is awful -- but I don't and it's not! There are just so many faults... But the faults are all part of good science fiction. Except, perhaps for the slow-moving plot.
Those characters...
I spent several years in a support group for intellectually gifted children. Often, it was the parents who needed support. One particular issue was with "average" parents of exceptionally intelligent children.
"My child is a mind reader," was a common claim...
The smart child sees clues... The parent rushes them past the bike display. They quickly hide the small tool kit. They spend an hour locked in the garage, after a large cardboard parcel has been delivered... Aha! thinks the child, It looks as though I'm getting a bike for my birthday! Not mind-reading, just observation and logic.
The main characters of Anathem are like that: intelligent, logical, taking small clues and building a clear picture of the world around them. With an added bonus: the Anathem characters are also able to turn scientific theory into practical devices. How can the aliens possibly win, when the heroes can "read their minds" and build effective counter-measures?!
If you enjoy hard science fiction, read Anathem. If you want a primer on quantum physics, read Anathem. If you are a slow reader, or easily bored... try any book by Doc Smith.
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