Quicksilver

Neal Stephenson’s work are always intricate works, and this is no exception.
I read it on my ipod touch, as I had given an ebook copy of The Baroque Cycle to my husband several years ago, but never had means to read it myself. On the ipod it comes out to over 3000 pages, although a paperbook counts in at 480 pages. Its no lightweight novel.
After the first hundred or so pages I said to my husband “Nothing is happening, and yet, I can’t put it down!” because its that sort of book.
I’m not going to try to describe the plot to you – I can’t think what I could say that wouldn’t either convince you the book is boring or complete ruin the plot to you. What if I describe the setting.
We are in the late 17th century. The Sun King is in power in France, and Charles II has been returned to the throne of England. The story is of small people who managed to play big roles in history. I don’t think these people existed in real history, but we are gripped by their stories in this made up real history.
This the first of a trilogy, but the storylines are wrapped up enough at the end of the book for us not to feel as if we are left hanging while leaving us begging more. Fortunately the sequel, “The Confusion”, is available!
If you like other Neal Stephenson works, then you will like this one. If you are a fan of Tim Powers, then you will like this (although there is no supernatural element).