63 pages • 2 hours read
Callie HartQuicksilver
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson is a historical novel set in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It follows individuals involved in scientific, political, and economic changes. The story integrates real historical figures and fictional characters, exploring the development of ideas and technologies that shape the future. It is the first book in the Baroque Cycle series.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Neal Stephenson's Quicksilver impresses with its rich historical detail and complex narrative, blending science, politics, and intrigue. Reviewers praise its intellectual depth and vivid characters but acknowledge its dense prose can be challenging. The book's intricate plot rewards patient readers, though some may find its pacing uneven. Overall, a rewarding but demanding read.
Who Should Read Quicksilver?
Fans of Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson are usually history buffs with a penchant for intricate storytelling and complex characters. They often enjoy other multifaceted books like Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, where rich historical context intertwines with elaborate narrative structures.