Adam's Reviews > Cryptonomicon

What an absolutely phenomenal book. A story across multiple time periods, continents with real historical characters that definitely does not disappoint. This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read.

Whilst there is little connection bar surnames between the story lines, watching them converge and slowly placing the pieces together and connecting the dots is a wonderful experience. Neal Stephenson has created a very spectacular world.

The fact that the modern period is set in the 90s works very well, and I feel that that period of computer science is perfect for literature, as shown by this story, and also by Bleeding Edge (Thomas Pynchon).

It is also highly accurate, with an appendix that qualifies many of the algorithms used. From the computer side of things, specifically UNIX, I was able to verify myself that it was completely spot on.

The book felt like it ended a little to quickly and left a couple of questions unanswered(which he expands upon in another series), but Stephenson wrapped up most of the loose ends he had, and after thinking further, the ending was perfect.