Title: The Confusion
Author: Neal Stephenson
First published April 13, 2004
815 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060733353 (ISBN10: 0060733357)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
Join the Barbary galley slave Jack Shaftoe, also known as the King of the Vagabonds or Half-Cocked Jack, in a daring race for a legendary prize of gold. As Jack devises a plan for freedom and fortune, the Countess de la Zeur in Europe finds herself penniless and at risk from those who desire her head or her most precious possession.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Newton and Leibniz intensifies, alchemy battles with natural sciences, and plots are set in motion. Amidst all this madness, Daniel Waterhouse seeks passage to the Massachusetts colony in hopes of escaping it all.
This edition includes extra pages of author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
About the Author
Meet Neal Stephenson, a renowned author who has written numerous captivating books such as Reamde, Anathem, and the Baroque Cycle – a three-volume historical epic (consisting of Quicksilver, The Confusion, and The System of the World). He is also the mastermind behind Cryptonomicon, The Diamond Age, Snow Crash, and Zodiac.
Neal currently resides in Seattle, Washington.
Editoral Review
Neal Stephenson’s “The Confusion” is an epic piece of literature that takes readers on a complex and multifaceted journey. First published on April 13, 2004, Stephenson expertly weaves together themes of adventure, history, and philosophy to create a book that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Set in the late 17th century, the novel follows the journeys of two fictional characters, Jack Shaftoe and Eliza. Both of them are on a quest to find a mysterious substance called “soliton,” which is believed to be the key to unlocking the secrets of the world.
Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a Royal Society scientist, a vengeful woman, and a Jesuit missionary. In “The Confusion,” Stephenson creates a richly detailed world that is both historically accurate and imaginative.
His attention to detail and meticulous research is evident throughout the novel, which takes readers to exotic locales like Egypt and Persia, as well as bustling cities like London and Amsterdam. One of the strengths of the novel is its complex and well-developed characters.
Jack and Eliza are both flawed individuals who are driven by their own personal motivations. Despite their flaws, however, they are both immensely likable and sympathetic, and readers will find themselves rooting for them as they navigate the dangerous and unpredictable world around them.
The novel’s pacing is also expertly done, with Stephenson effortlessly transitioning between different perspectives and plot points. This makes for a thrilling, page-turner of a book that readers won’t be able to put down.
One of the themes that Stephenson explores in “The Confusion” is the tension between science and religion. This is a timely theme that is especially relevant in our current era of political and social upheaval, and Stephenson does an excellent job of exploring it in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.
Although “The Confusion” is a masterful work of literature, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the book’s multiple plotlines and complex themes to be overwhelming, and the novel’s size may be daunting for those who prefer shorter reads.
Overall, however, “The Confusion” is a stunning achievement that is sure to impress even the most discerning of readers. Its engaging characters, expertly crafted pacing, and timely themes make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Fans of historical fiction, adventure novels, and thought-provoking literature.
