Reviews for Zero History

The average rating for Zero History based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2015-05-17 00:00:00 Wade Bare The Devil Wears Prada meets James Bond. The third in his Blue Ant series, published in 2010, William Gibson's Zero History is not really a part of a trilogy, the three books all being only loosely connected, and yet this is the one in which he most completely defines his subject. More about keeping secrets than advertising, Huburtus Bigend is the artful dodger of Gibson's man-behind-the-man-behind-the-man fashionable psychological thriller. Gibson is able to intricately describe how drug value is as much about prohibition as about the effect. The cant of making something valuable is as simple as Economics 101 supply versus demand and yet Gibson is able to focus our attention into a narrow, laser like forced perspective of the psychic roots of international cool. Gibson's narrative style is tightly wound yet exhibiting laid back sophistication. The real key to his successful story telling is his unique ability to describe great detail with a minimum of narration. His attention to detail is impeccable and this adds to the quality of his storyline. William Gibson shares his backstreet London bacon and eggs brunch with the world's most interesting man and he was wearing Klein blue.

Review # 2 was written on 2010-09-25 00:00:00 Victor White William Gibson is the Jay-Z of his genre. I think. I can't be sure, as I don't listen to much rap (few 41 year-old men should say "hip-hop") anymore. Let me explain. I have long admired Jay-Z's effortless delivery and the joy with which he seems to embrace his talents; he sounds like he knows he's good, values his craft, and enjoys the hell out of what he does. And although William Gibson is quieter and, uh, more Canadian, I felt the same way about the author while reading Zero History. After the have-to-admit-it-was-kind-of-a-letdown Spook Country, Gibson proceeds with Zero History as if he has a (nerdy) chip on his shoulder. He sparkles in detail and rhythm, interspersing long, wraparound sentences with short, noiresque dialogue. The characterizations are taut and durable. This book's natural partner, both in theme and quality, is Pattern Recognition. In both novels Gibson scythes through cultural static and creates a present that, while swirling all around us, seems just beyond our comprehension. I don't want to make this novel sound like homework. Reading Gibson, when he's on point, or anywhere close to on point, is exhilarating. Throughout Zero History he blends thematic depth with intricate industrial espionage and, thank God, reads as if he's locking in on whatever it is that makes him so excellent. He, like the self-proclaimed greatest rapper alive, makes it look easy. I don't know from what roborant Gibson's been drinking, but more, please, don't stop now. The flow between the three "Bigend" books (Zero History is the third of a trilogy) troubled me. I read both Pattern Recognition and Spook Country so long ago that I felt as if I were missing, from faulty memory, subtle links between the novels. Listen. You've probably already formed an opinion on Mr. Gibson. If you like his work you'll understand when I say Zero History is one of his best. If you've never read Gibson start with Pattern Recogition and work your way through the trilogy. Although I doubt he'd be so bold as to speak up on his own, he's one of the greatest writers alive. Also, Tad RULES for getting me an autographed copy (inscribed to me!) of Zero History. I am forever in your debt, sir.