The Difference Engine
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990
512
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1850s
1990
Adult
18+ years
The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson follows Sybil Gerard, the daughter of an executed radical, Edward Mallory, a paleontologist, and Laurence Oliphant, a spy masquerading as a travel writer, as they navigate an alternate 1855 where technology has advanced due to Charles Babbage’s successful development of mechanical computers, leading to political intrigue, conspiracies, and the pursuit of a mysterious box of Engine punch cards. The book contains themes of violence, betrayal, and societal degradation.
Mysterious
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Fantastical
23,278 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson is praised for its imaginative alternate history and rich steampunk setting. Critics admire its detailed world-building and intricate plot but find the narrative occasionally convoluted and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read, blending historical speculation with cyberpunk elements.
A reader who would enjoy The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson is likely a fan of speculative fiction and steampunk. They may also appreciate the intricate, alternate historical context and complex characters found in Neal Stephenson's The Diamond Age and Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle.
23,278 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
512
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1850s
1990
Adult
18+ years
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