| This is basically a sequel to Pattern Recognition, with a main character who is gratifyingly like the one in the previous book and another set of odd, but interesting and believable, characters. The plot is as original as the previous one. I hope Gibson continues with more books like these. His writing is exceptional; it has spoiled me, like the writing of Neal Stephenson, David Mitchell, John Sandford, Patrick O'Brian, and a very few others. I pick up other books, like from the shelves in Powell's, and the writing just plods along, dutifully carrying the plot and characters. With Gibson and these others I mentioned, the writing is really all I need. I care less about the plot because I am enjoying the writing. It's like living in the moment, rare as that is. |