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This is without a doubt the most amazing, challenging, whimsical and startlingly unique book I've ever read. Basically a sprawling, picaresque novel about code-making and code-breaking, Cryptonomicon is actually three novels in one, featuring healthy portions of World War II adventure, cryptography and high-tech finance, with treasure hunting thrown in for good measure. It is filled with the most unique characters I've run across in fiction in many years whose adventures absolutely defy description. Serendipity plays a role large enough to be another character in the story, for everyone in the book seems to cross paths and entangle destinies frequently enough to defy belief--yet these crossed paths seem wholly logical within the framework of the story. If there is any drawback to the book it may be its size which could prove daunting to some readers, and the length of time it takes for the reader to see how the desparate decades and characters are going to interface for the real fireworks of the story. In addition, a couple of chapters early on deal with extremely technical scientific and mathematical matters and simply can't be considered "light" reading. I don't have much interest in higher mathematics but was fascinated by the way the author used these subjects to illuminate basics of code-breaking for less-scientifically grounded readers. But if you, like me, have never found any novel too long, and are willing to dive headfirst into subjects outside the general realm of fiction, you're in for a thrilling read!Read full review
I heard this book on an audiobook first, and was enthralled by the richness and depth the author gives to even the most minor character. There is a grittiness to it that makes it feel more authentic during the WWII scenes than even Das Boot. The only downside I ever saw to this book is that how every single person in it gets tied together in the two timelines seems a little too contrived. It's the whole premise of the book, however, it's more the how, than the why that seems contrived. Even with that however, Cryptonomicon is one of the best books I have read. It is in the same vein as War and Peace for shear size and scale, not to mention immediate classic status. If you love history, politics, personal struggle, and the occasional love story, this book is a must read.
Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon is a historical fiction/science fiction/post-punk/romance/treasure hunt story that follows several different storylines surrounding a large stockpile of gold hidden by the Japanese in the waning days of WWII. The story constantly moves forward, and does not lag or lull in any particular place. I personally enjoyed the thorough research that was obviously completed for this work, as well as the length of the book, requiring more time than many of its contemporary novels to read, giving me more for my money, while keeping me interested. Highly recommended for a history buff or a sci-fi lover in your life.
I loved Stephenson's earier books (Snow Crash, Diamond Age and Zodiac are among my all time favorites) This book combines what I like about his ability to weave a story around a very realistic looking future and now adds a new twist by documenting and relating it to the historical. The crypto was also interesting to read and he does a good job describing it for the non-engineer.
The premise of the story is good, merging some WWII cryptography events to some modern day cryptography. It interesting to see the fast development of cryptoanalysis and the advent of digital computers during WWII, but the author spends a bit too much time trying to explain details or to "flesh out" his characters. I would have enjoyed this book more if the amount of profanity had been greatly reduced.
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