Neuromancer

I believe that Neuromancer will benefit from a re-read in the future. Gibson's writing style is such that he shows you the story instead of telling it to you directly. His evocative and sharp prose leaves you to fend for yourself at times. While I did not get lost while reading, there were a few sections that I scanned back through to make sure that I was on the right track. However, I actually enjoyed this way of writing as it assumes a certain level of competence in the reader, which Gibson does quite well.

If you were to read only a portion of this novel, I highly recommend the opening section: Chiba City Blues. This tight 40-page section defines the cyberpunk sub-genre in tone, setting, characters, and motifs. It was a joy to read, and I can see how it set the pace for all cyberpunk to follow. But beyond the first section, many of the aspects I love remained. Characters that are broken, coerced, and brooding, struggling to survive another day. A plot that grows increasingly complex, that builds in pace over time. Evocative and consistent writing that easily drew a picture in my mind's eye, and has a strong sense of personal style. Ideas for future technology that feel fresh even today.

My only gripe with the book is more about myself than the book itself. I developed an expectation for how the book would go or how it would move me. Having heard so much about it being a pillar of SF, I couldn't help placing it up there myself before I had read a word. And, like most high expectations we place on things, we cannot help but feel disappointed when they do not reach those heights. I hope that a future re-read of Neuromancer, when I am perhaps more sober in my expectations, can give me more appreciation for it. Even though I regard it highly now.