A biochip in presidential candidate William Cozzano’s brain hardwires him to a computerized polling system that channels the mood of the electorate directly into his brain. Neal Stephenson fans should note (if they don’t already know) that Stephen Bury is his pen name.
Customer Reviews
Excellent Poli_Science Fiction:
Given a world where the corporate and special interest folks firmly believe their ends justify any means, there is no question this book is sadly plausible.
Interface is typically Stephenson: great storyline, just enough cool (though admittedly geeky) technology, patriarchical puppet-masters creeping around the edges of the plot and completely believable characters (some of who continue to act independently and ethically in spite of the shadow powers that be). Oh, yeah… add a touch of violence and paranoia.
But it is also quintessential Stephenson in that it is a story of liberation: national liberation from a parasitic System and the liberation of a couple of very deserving characters from obscurity.
I can’t say more without spoiling the book… but let’s just say America Shaftoe would be proud.
typical Stephenson:
This novel is typical Stephenson. All of the characters, although not very deep, are very well fleshed out. The technological aspect is very relavent for the current times of instant internet polls. This was a very quick read which you do not get the pleasure of experiencing in a lot of his novels. Like most of his works, Stephenson researches what he is talking about and you actually learn something should you choose to do so. It has the typical Stephenson finish of ending at the climax.
You will enjoy this book if you like Stephenson, Science Fiction, Political Fiction, CSI or any of those other shoes, or if you just want a good read. This book is appropriate for all ages but a healthy dose of cynicism may be needed for enjoyment.
Still prescient, Ten Years Later:
I first came across the book back in 1994. As a satire of the political process, it seemed entirely relavent than. Now, it reads like history.
In the story, elections are controlled by a shadowy “Network” of multi-billionaires who operate through campaign media mogul “Cy” Ogle. He plants a computer chip in the head of a popular Illinois Governor who has suffered a stroke. Communicating through this technology, Ogle controls what his candidate says, which thanks to sophisticated polling techniques, is always just what voters want to hear.
Issues? An economic plan? Who needs ‘em? Ogle just consults a polling device attached to a volunteer from a target demographic (given hilarious names like “Economic Roadkill” and “Mall-Hopping Corporate Concubine.”)
This is not to be mistaken for a thorough political analysis, but the novel is a good,brisk read, even for those who, like me, are not always huge fans of science fiction.
Highly entertaining!!!!!!!!!:
What an enjoyable read! All of the characters were engaging, believable, and just offbeat enough to be fun. There is some really interesting science, also. Think Michael Crichton meets Joe R Lansdale. The story line is completely plausible, well thought out, and best of all, highly entertaining. This book should be on everyone’s list of favorites. My wife loved it too!What many critic types seem to forget is that we read for entertainment and escape much more than we crave social and historical relevance from our favorite authors. Please note: There is absolutely no need for you to be politically inclined in order for you to enjoy this book.
zzzzzzzzzzz:
What a boring book. This book has a very interesting premise, but it has too many charecters, frankly. A big letdown. The interesting idea does not drive the novel, but seems rather like an afterthought. The many, many charecters have no depth and do not develop (excluding the main charecter - I hesitate to say main charecter, because he appears in less than half of this novel). Avoid.
