This is one of those few books, that, after having read it, I felt compelled to research it. This work is considered one of the founding texts of the cyberpunk movement. As you read it, consider that it was written in 1984, years before the use of the internet was common outside of military/industrial use. Film fans will recognize the use of the word "matrix", when describing the cyberspace VR kind of environment that the main character enjoys as his play ground. There are other similar themes such as Zion, badass women in leather, and difficulty telling what's real.
"But is it any good?" It is immensely entertaining to a person who has seen the result of this book's influence in film, and some argue, in real life (the early cyberpunk movement may have been influential in naming, and possibly even shaping, many of the technologies we are so familiar with today). But more than that, it is a challenging, fast paced novel, with dense atmosphere, and cool characters.
I would happily recommend this book solely on the basis of the literary history it has created, It's just happy luck that it happens to tell a good story. The only thing stopping me from giving it marks is the fact that it is very difficult to follow in places, with the narrative hopping between real and imaginary. A valid literary device, certainly, but not for everyone.
nice
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