| Ostensibly a pizza delivery guy, Hiroaki Protagonist is really a super computer hacker, speed metal concert promoter, and master swordsman. North America has been divided between various power franchises, from the former Federal government to Hong Kong, Mafia, Colombian, and even religious-based service industries. Y.T., a 16-year-old female skateboard Kourier, is the other hero of this astounding tale, which involves action in cyberspace (the "Metaverse," peopled by "avatars" created by computer jocks) as well as speed-obsessed LA and the Pacific Ocean, where the former U.S.S. Enterprise -- now privately owned -- is lashed to a supertanker and a huge web of assorted boats know as the Raft. Through it all flows Snow Crash, a combination drug, computer virus, and mystical language/religion that goes back to ancient Sumer and the cult of Asherah. The cast is also huge, from Hiro ("Hero Protagonist," get it?)'s old girlfriend Juanita Marquez, to Mafia chieftain and Vietnam vet "Uncle Enzo," to the massive Aleut killer "Raven," and a wonderful robot dog. Stephenson thinks through his future scenarios as much as William Gibson, but this book is much funnier -- somehow more cartoonlike because of its action and settings, yet with richer, fuller characterizations. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - cynical or dry-wit FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Tech./$$$/Info hunt Yes Stealing/recovering/destroying Robots, Computers, VR Yes Robot, PC, VR Plotlets: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 70 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 10 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 % Main Character Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - an organization How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount Setting Terrain Earth setting: - near future (later in 21st century) - - Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths scientific jargon? (SF only) - a significant amount of technical jargon Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - actual description of sex How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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