Book Review - Zero History by William Gibson
Category Book Review William Gibson Zero History
OK... I think Zero History by William Gibson will be the last book I attempt to read by the father of the cyberpunk genre. Looking back at his last four novels I've read, they've all ended up in the 2 - 3 rating area. I have no argument with Gibson's ability to paint a scene. From the first page on, Zero History paints a very detailed picture of the characters and surroundings. On the other hand, his story and plot leave me flat. If anyone else tried to tell that same story in 400 pages, I would have said it was about 325 pages too long. And even then I would have said it was a bit strange.
The novel revolves around an ad agency owner who is on the bleeding edge of fashion marketing psychology. He hires a couple of people to track down some unknown designer who he wants to know more about. Along the way, there's double-crosses, deadly competitors, and kidnappings. Without getting into the deeper "meaning" of what Gibson is trying to say along the way, that's about the core of what happens. And I'm still struggling with a lot of "so what" feelings now that I'm done.
My problem is that generally speaking, I don't read novels to analyze them for some significant and profound commentary on society by the author. I read them primarily for entertainment. Yes, I'm shallow... so sue me. This "quirk" of mine makes me the wrong audience for Gibson's work, no matter how much I can appreciate his ability to paint with words. So rather than beat myself up over spending hours only to be left wanting, I think I'll just scratch off Gibson's name from my list of authors I read, and we'll all be happier.
Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed
OK... I think Zero History by William Gibson will be the last book I attempt to read by the father of the cyberpunk genre. Looking back at his last four novels I've read, they've all ended up in the 2 - 3 rating area. I have no argument with Gibson's ability to paint a scene. From the first page on, Zero History paints a very detailed picture of the characters and surroundings. On the other hand, his story and plot leave me flat. If anyone else tried to tell that same story in 400 pages, I would have said it was about 325 pages too long. And even then I would have said it was a bit strange.
The novel revolves around an ad agency owner who is on the bleeding edge of fashion marketing psychology. He hires a couple of people to track down some unknown designer who he wants to know more about. Along the way, there's double-crosses, deadly competitors, and kidnappings. Without getting into the deeper "meaning" of what Gibson is trying to say along the way, that's about the core of what happens. And I'm still struggling with a lot of "so what" feelings now that I'm done.
My problem is that generally speaking, I don't read novels to analyze them for some significant and profound commentary on society by the author. I read them primarily for entertainment. Yes, I'm shallow... so sue me. This "quirk" of mine makes me the wrong audience for Gibson's work, no matter how much I can appreciate his ability to paint with words. So rather than beat myself up over spending hours only to be left wanting, I think I'll just scratch off Gibson's name from my list of authors I read, and we'll all be happier.
Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed
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Comments
I like how Gibson makes the huge pseudo observations on marketing to the masses of sheeple in a way you can only get away with if you're already knows as "the father of..." something.
He also usually has some cool and strange tech implications you haven't considered.
You're right, there's no epic plot here. Mostly just morons behaving badly and getting some less moronic but otherwise hapless fools caught up in something they're rather have avoided.
The thing is, that's a lot more like how the world works than giant conspiratorial plots and unlikely superhero former alcoloholic cops.
Posted by Andrew Pollack At 16:18:03 On 23/10/2010 | - Website - |