Audiobook Review: Anathem by Neal Stephenson

Anathem
by Neal Stephenson

Anathem is a grand sci-fi adventure novel, initially set in a strange sort of monastery where philosophers, mathematicians, and the like have been separated from the rest of the world and are only allowed to use a limited set of technology. Their vocabulary seems off, but familiar, e.g: the men are called Fraas, the women are Suurs, and they study theorics in a concent hoping to have an upsight. It’s a bit confusing at first, but thankfully the human story of a young Fraa named Erasmus getting involved in sneaky business with his friends is so relatable that the lingo will make its way comfortably into your head.

The first section of this book is like a cozier version of The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, complete with seemingly pie-in-the-sky philosophical discussions that turn out to be integral to the plot. Eventually some of the characters you’ve grown to know and love venture into the outside world in a Jules Verne style adventure. Something unprecedented has happened forcing the outside powers to call in these cloistered thinkers for help.

Audiobook format highly recommended, if you overlook the brief pre-chapter quotes that are read by the author. William Dufris — the main narrator — is now one of my favorites.

Recommended to people who love world-spanning adventures, philosophy, and well thought out science fiction.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne, The Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco, The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell or A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller.]

[ official Anathem page on the official Neal Stephenson web site ]

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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