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Why is Neuromancer so hard to get in to? (feddit.org)

submitted 2 days ago by BennyInc@feddit.org to c/sciencefiction@lemmy.world

56 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I just started reading Neuromancer, and finished the first two chapters. Can someone encourage me to keep on reading? It’s just so… disorienting. Very quick scene changes, hard to follow dialogues (who is actually talking?), too much jargon (I have read up on some, to get the gist), … I just feel lost, and doubt I will enjoy it at some point.

I like various degrees of scifi, and many people recommended the book (and the ones following it). I also fought through some harder chapters in Trisolaris, Children of Memory, The Expanse books, CS Lewis‘ Space Trilogy, … but Neuromancer is on awholenother level.

Is it just me? Did anyone else have a hard time with it? Does it get better? Is it worth it?

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[–] Voroxpete@sh.itjust.works 40 points 2 days ago (3 children)

You're supposed to feel disoriented. Gibson is trying to capture a sense of a future that is accellerating to the point where humans can no longer exist there as we are.

The terminology is supposed to feel bewildering. Don't sweat it. You'll piece things together through context.

Stick with it. It's the kind of book that is capable of completely rewiring your brain. An absolute masterpiece.

With all that being said, maybe try reading the short story Johnny Mnemonic first? That functions as an introduction to the setting and might be a more approachable way to ease yourself into his style. Fewer characters, a smaller, more compact scenario.

[–] mosiacmango@lemm.ee 18 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Johny mnemonic is an amazing short story. I basically re-read it every time someone mentions it.

Here is it in its entirety.

[–] Klear@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny Mnemonic.

You got some reading to do =D

[–] mosiacmango@lemm.ee 5 points 2 days ago

Lol, i just read it again two hours ago.

Try again in a couple of months and you'll get me.

[–] NoIWontPickAName@kbin.earth 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Does it have Keanu Reeves and a dolphin in it?

[–] Voroxpete@sh.itjust.works 13 points 2 days ago

Yes to the dolphin, and God knows why you would want anyone else to play Johhny.

[–] BennyInc@feddit.org 2 points 2 days ago

Thanks, I’ll check it out.