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This novel is 30 years old. It's probably the most common compliment to pay Gibson, but it's uncanny how similar the world of the novel feels to the one we live in today. Beyond that, this is so far easily the most fun I've had with one of his books.
— Jul 24, 2026 02:46PM
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Mike
is on page 109 of 383
He was watching a point of reflected light slide along the distant structure, a movement like osmosis or the sequential contraction of some sea creature's palps...he closed his eyes, not wanting to see the new buildings. But they were still there, in the darkness and the light behind his lids. They slid apart, deliquesced, and trickled away, down into the mazes of an older city. He slid down with them.
— Jul 31, 2026 12:21PM
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Aug 08, 2026 07:54AM
Hi Mike! It's a different universe than the one portrayed in The Sprawl trilogy, isn't it?
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You've stumped me there, I'm afraid. I believe so, as this appears to be part of The Bridge trilogy. But whether any characters cross over between The Bridge and The Sprawl universes, I couldn't say for sure...
More reasons for me to have a peek then :)
This is only my third Gibson novel, but it's definitely my favorite. At the same time, it doesn't strike me as very different in style or approach to the other stuff of his I've read. But I really like the Tokyo setting. And there's just something about this period in which he was writing- early-to-mid-90s- that feeling that the future was coming, and that it was going to be something exciting that we could barely conceive of. I guess I feel the same way now, in 2026...except that it's not exciting or appealing in the least.
I can get behind that too... That's why retrofuturism can prove more alluring than the genuine article at times... I enjoyed the Shinsekai and Dōtonbori districts of Ōsaka tremendously for this reason. We are planning to visit the unnerving "Sun Tower" north of the same city in April.Check it out!
jaDOTwikipediaDOTorg/wiki/%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AE%E5%A1%94
It might be right up your alley, as it has a "failed visionary cult" vibe of sorts, linked to its presence in the 20th Century Boys manga series!
That is a little unnerving, isn't it? Looks to me like something the Druids might have cooked up for one or another of their shindigs. Maybe a little human sacrifice to get the party started...I haven't made it to Japan yet. Drink some sake for me.
It certainly is! At the same time, as I read the 7th volume of 20th Century Boys, I am more and more curious to visit it eventually!I am a very poor drinker contrary to what my profile image may suggest, but if the occasion appears, I certainly will! Do you give a pass to umeshu too? 😉
There was a time in life when I drank a fair amount, but I don't think I've even been hungover in the decade of the 2020s. Can't remember the last time I had more than two beers in a night, either (probably a friend's wedding in '19). My body doesn't respond well to alcohol anymore now that I'm old, and I guess it's just as well because let's face it, drinking heavily is not really the answer to anything.That said, were I in Japan for a little while, I might make an exception under the right circumstances.
I didn't know that term, "retrofuturism." That's a pretty neat idea.
I find it handy too! Are you contemplating travelling someplace in the coming years? Just me being mightily curious!
Well, I have dreams. But no concrete plans at the moment. Money, time, family, health...it seems to be getting harder and harder to balance everything. If you have the chance to go, take it.