Characterization is not one of Stephenson's strong points.
Try an experiment: skip to 2/3 through the book, where it says "Five thousand years later..." and pick it up as though it were a new book. I think you might be happier.
Try an experiment: skip to 2/3 through the book, where it says "Five thousand years later..." and pick it up as though it were a new book. I think you might be happier.
Am I overreacting? I'm still within the first third but I don't think I'll be able to get through the book if it's entirely like this.