Neal Stephenson is nothing if not ambitious. After completing his eight book (three volume) Baroque cycle, he turned his attention once more to epic science fiction with his 1,000 page Anathem

When you open Anathem, you’re met with a chronology of Arbre, the world in which the story is set. The “very sparse chronology” (xiv) spans four pages beginning in -3400 and running through 3689 when the story opens. Seven Millennia if you’re counting. Although the events summarized in the chronology will mean nothing to you before you begin reading, you’ll find yourself returning to these pages as the story unfolds.

A new world needs its own language and Stephenson is quick to oblige. The main parts of the book are subdivided by dictionary definitions of neologisms created by Stephenson to suit Arbre. It’s impressive how these words resonate in English despite being newly invented. Take the word “saunt,” for example. It resembles with the English “saint,” but derives its Arbre etymology from savant. In a world where logic and learning are treated with religious devotion, a more perfect word could not be coined.

Philosophy plays an important part in the story. Arbre’s history is populated with thinkers that echo Western philosophers. For those with a background in philosophy, you’ll hear everyone from Plato to Kant in the dialog.

Speaking of dialog, this is the only area where the book could have used a little pruning. The philosophical concepts enrich the narrative, but at times they predominate and detract.

Anathem is an exciting yet thoughtful work of science fiction. It’s the perfect summer holiday companion.

Stephenson, Neal. Anathem. New York: William Morrow, 2008.