The Hugo Awards Discussion Group discussion

What are your first impressions of The Diamond Age?

Despite Stephenson's reputation for ridiculous amounts of padding, I felt like early on, it was pretty well paced. I was pretty into it until all of a sudden Bud's storyline crashes to a halt, and everything else starts dragging really badly. Hoping it picks up soon.

I agree, that was a weird switch. It sort of makes all of the story lines provisional. I like the 'law' though, it is an interesting medley of eastern philosophy. He is doing a lot to create this world, and his Shanghai details are a nice touch.