The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O, by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I have my ups and downs with Neal Stephenson. I couldn't finish the Baroque Cycle, but I seem to have enjoyed Seveneves more than most. Seveneves may have had some stiff dialog but it was full of ideas. This book has one idea. Which is spun into a plot that goes on for 750 pages. If it could somehow have been concentrated down to about half that length (and I think it could have been) it would be an award contender. As is, not sure.

I liked the book and never got tired of reading it as I went along. I think what struck me that perhaps did not stand out to others is the sort of "dated" feel of it. The characters are standard-issue types from maybe 10 years or so ago, with no self-consciousness so it can't be intentional. Tristan is a kind of stiff hero type, and Melisande slips into sexy damsel mode a little too easily. You can almost see the consideration of the movie possibilities of a time travel method that causes travelers to become naked.

(view spoiler)[This turns out to be the first book in a series. Even though I liked it, it's hard to imagine me coming back to this. (hide spoiler)]



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