The Three-Body Problem by Liu CixinMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
"To effectively contain a civilization’s development and disarm it across such a long span of time, there is only one way: kill its science.”
I attempted to read this book way back in 2017. A dear friend generously lent me her copy, but I had to return it after reading about a third only. "I'm not smart enough," I told her ruefully.
Fast forward to now, and with the Netflix adaptation only months away, I felt compelled to revisit this challenging book (the first in a trilogy).
Perhaps it's the added wisdom from the extra years (I've become a substitute Science teacher, in the meantime), but I managed to more than power through... I enjoyed myself immensely!
It's truly worth the difficulty of the occasional Googling, as the author assumes the reader has a good grasp of physics, astronomy, and general science. This is scifi, so of course not all of it is true. But a great deal of it is! Which grounds the book in a reality jarring in its cruelty.
"Reality brands each of us with its indelible mark. Every era puts invisible shackles on those who have lived through it, and I can only dance in my chains," wrote Cixin Liu.
What can turn a human against her fellow humans? Cixin Liu gives a convincing response. He began with our antiheroine's girlhood during the Cultural Revolution, where she goes through unimaginable horrors.
The novel takes place across decades. In modern times, a mystery is afoot. Scientists are dying left and right, and a mysterious computer game seems to be at the heart of the problem. But who is behind this? And towards what end?
What elevates this book from a mere entertaining beach read to classic is the scope of Liu's vision, and the extensive world building. He basically came up with his own brand of physics for a new world.
Highly recommended for fans of RF Kuang and good scifi, as it has the immense weight and power of the best of them. Dune, Foundation, Ender... this series is more than worthy to stand beside these great classics.
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