Game
by William Gibson
Consumed: January 16, 2024
"The book that defined cyberpunk and still holds up decades later. Gibson's vision of the future was prophetic."
My Thoughts
Neuromancer isn’t just a book—it’s the genesis of an entire genre. Reading it in 2024, I’m struck by how much Gibson got right about our digital age, from the internet to virtual reality to corporate dominance.
What Worked
The atmosphere is intoxicating. The Sprawl feels real, lived-in, dangerous. Gibson’s prose is dense but rewarding—every sentence is packed with meaning. Case is a compelling protagonist, flawed and driven in equal measure.
The heist structure keeps things moving, but it’s the world-building that really shines. This is a future that feels inevitable, not fantastical.
What Didn’t
Some of the technology descriptions feel dated now (which is inevitable), and the plot can be hard to follow on first read. Molly deserved more page time.
Impact on My Work
This book reminded me why I write cyberpunk. It’s not about the tech—it’s about the people surviving in systems designed to exploit them. The human element is what makes the genre timeless.
Recommended for: Anyone serious about cyberpunk, sci-fi readers who like their stories dense and atmospheric, writers looking to study world-building mastery.