These two have such a great buddy dynamic we just get to see the beginnings of. I think a sequel about them getting established in the US would be a lot of fun. They’re fish-out-of-water characters both figuring out a fresh start (and maybe some redemption from their involvement in the criminal enterprises their life circumstances led them to).
Csongor reconnecting with his brother, Marlon probably starting some kind of business (trying to make it a legitimate one this time while having to navigate the challenges of his checkered past and awkward legal status), some kind of threat from unresolved Russian mob / Chinese intelligence complications, and Csongor navigating trying to start a relationship with Zula who needs safety and stability to recover from everything in Reamde, while helping the friend who saved his life start a new one without getting entangled in more shady dealings).
I doubt Neal would ever write it, but I just thought I’d share and see if it resonated with anyone else who enjoyed Reamde, or likes the idea of a Neal Stephenson “buddy story” in general?
I was a big fan of Stephenson since Snow Crash blew my mind as a teenager. Still am, I suppose. But he desperately needs an editor. I don’t think I finished any of his last books over the last 10 years or so. I’m not sure whether that his fault, though, or whether my attention span is trash now that I’m older.
Anathem was a masterpiece though. Probably in my Top 5 favorite sci-fi books.
I don’t read books in which I will stumble over the pronunciation of a main character’s name every time I see it. Also, the title of the book, I don’t know how to pronounce that, either. I find it frustrating.
FYI, this comes off as extremely racist. Won’t read a book just because it has a Chinese/Norwegian name or something? What’s pronunciation gotta do with reading something in your head. Imagine a nickname or something.
