The Confusion
Comments(0) by Neal Stephenson
Like the first instalment of “The Baroque Cycle” trilogy, Quicksilver, the second issue, The Confusion, is an epic read. Sweeping in vision and intricate in details, this is a very involving read, but also thoroughly enjoyable. Make sure you’ve got time to immerse yourself though — its a real vacation book.
This book has two main plot lines, actually separated into “books” that are interleaved. These are:
Book 4 – Called Bonanza!, this book follows Jack Shaftoe and his efforts to survive, thrive and deliver retribution. He is involved in several “get rich” schemes, from stealing gold to trading quicksilver, and manages to avenge Eliza along the way, while being reunited with his sons and escaping certain death on several occassions.
Book 5 – The Juncto, covers the political and social ambitions and devices of Eliza. We watch how she engineers her situation to her best advantage, using her financial abilities as well as her networking skills to alter her circumstances of herself and her friends and associates. Intriguing watching her plot line unfold.
The Confusion has less of a message than Quicksilver, but its still a magnificent work. Hopefully I can tackle the third book later this year — I hear it is the best of the lot.