This is proto-Stephenson. All of the traits that make his later books what they are are here, but just not as developed. Unfortunately, the strongest of these is the lack of any likability on the part of the main character. This takes what might otherwise be a suspenseful book and turns it into a disinterested plot engine. Only in the last 15 or so pages did anything happen that generated any sort of real interest in the outcome.

Spoiler

^^this happened for me when the obligatory female romantic lead (I can't go so far as to call her a love interest) is kidnapped did a vague rumbling of interest appear. Sadly this happens in the last 15 pages or so.

4 stars + ½ for Boston references + ½ for historic vibes.
Having grown up near the Boston Harbor which was once the most polluted harbor in the states and is now one of the EPA’s big success stories, this was a great read. I love a sassy and annoying ecoterrorist with a knack for chemistry as the narrator. This was a good reminder that not all books about the environment have to be about saving the world from climate change, and (perhaps because of when it was written) this book was a refreshing break form the modern zeitgeist I have been literarily trapped in. This book managed to do so much sneaky teaching about chemical pollution which remains relevant to today’s PFAS discussion. At times, a mid-20s wander, an action thriller, a mystery, with a dash of textbook and lots of local geography I can’t wait to ready more by the author. I will say while the sentiment of environmental justice is really there (such as the connection between agent orange and chemical dumping in North America ), some of the language is dated. Cryptonomicon here I come.

““Maybe we should start an institute on nonviolent terrorism.” “Catchy. But if it’s not violent, there’s no terror involved.”

“You go around thinking you’re cool, a veritable shadow in the night, and then you find out that someone’s got your number.”

“There’s no incentive to keep a garbage pile neat, which was the problem with Boston harbor to begin with.”

This book’s plot line is relatively generic and were it told in a different style would’ve been a three star book. However the narrative style is quite engaging and makes this book quite enjoyable.

I'm going to blame this abandonment on the font and page size, but I really wasn't getting along with the main character and the pace was all off for me. I like other books by the sane author so much more.

Another great book from Neal Stephenson. If you've enjoyed any of his other books, this one is not to be missed. Fast paced and intelligent.

A quick read in between deciding what I wanted to read next. Had I not read almost everything else NS had written I probably have rated it higher. Lots of little Stephenson things I love, attention to certain details, subject matter research. Definitely more plot driven - think Reamde rather than Anathem than concept driven