Snow Crash

by Neal Stephenson

15.0 minutes

Amazon.com ReviewFrom the opening line of his breakthrough cyberpunk novel Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson plunges the reader into a not-too-distant future. It is a world where the Mafia controls pizza delivery, the United States exists as a patchwork of corporate-franchise city-states, and the Internet--incarnate as the Metaverse--looks something like last year's hype would lead you to believe it should. Enter Hiro Protagonist--hacker, samurai swordsman, and pizza-delivery driver. When his best friend fries his brain on a new designer drug called Snow Crash and his beautiful, brainy ex-girlfriend asks for his help, what's a guy with a name like that to do? He rushes to the rescue. A breakneck-paced 21st-century novel, Snow Crash interweaves everything from Sumerian myth to visions of a postmodern civilization on the brink of collapse. Faster than the speed of television and a whole lot more fun, Snow Crash is the portrayal of a future that is bizarre enough to be plausible. From Publishers WeeklyIn California of the near future, when the U.S. is only a "Burbclave" (city-state), the Mafia is just another franchise chain (CosaNostrastet Pizza, Incorporated) and there are no laws to speak of, Hiro Protagonist follows clues from the Bible, ancient Sumer and high technology to help thwart an attempt to take control of civilization--such as it is. When he logs on to Metaverse, an imaginary place entered via computer, Hiro encounters Juanita Marquez, a "radical" Catholic and computer whiz. She warns him off Snow Crash (a street drug named for computer failure) and gives him a file labeled Babel (as in Tower of Babel). Another friend, sp ok/pk Da5id, who ignores Juanita's warning, computer crashes out of Metaverse into the real world, where he physically collapses. Hiro, Juanita, Y.T. (a freewheeling, skateboard-riding courier) and sundry other Burbclave and franchise power figures see some action on the way to finding out who is behind this bizarre "drug" with ancient roots. Although Stephenson ( Zodiac ) provides more Sumerian culture than the story strictly needs (alternating intense activity with scholarship breaks), his imaginative juxtaposition of ancient and futuristic detail could make this a cult favorite. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Key Points

Snow Crash: A Summary

In Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash," Deliverator Hiro Protagonist gets entangled in a conspiracy involving a mind-altering virus spread through both computer code and a real-world drug. Teaming up with skater-girl Y.T., they navigate a dystopian world of virtual reality, powerful corporations, and ancient myths to save humanity from informational and physical enslavement.

Read "Snow Crash" to:

Dive into a cyberpunk world where the virtual and real are intertwined.
Explore themes of language, power, and social control in a high-tech society.
Experience a thrilling adventure filled with sword fights, computer hacking, and corporate intrigue.
Understand the potential dangers and possibilities of virtual reality.

Core Content:

1. The Metaverse: A Virtual World

The Metaverse is a shared virtual reality where users can interact using avatars.
It's more than just a game, it's a parallel existence with its own economy, social norms, and even dangers.
The Street is the main thoroughfare in the Metaverse, a bustling hub of activity and commerce.
People can own property, build structures, and engage in various activities within the Metaverse.

2. Hiro Protagonist: A Skilled Hacker

Hiro Protagonist is a pizza delivery driver and freelance hacker in the real world.
In the Metaverse, he's a skilled swordfighter and hacker.
He navigates both worlds with a unique blend of wit, skill, and resourcefulness.
He is also struggling in real life, balancing dangerous high-stakes missions with the mundane reality of his existence.

3. Y.T.: A Quick-Witted Kourier

Y.T. (Yours Truly) is a young, independent Kourier (courier) who navigates the real world on a high-tech skateboard.
She is street-smart, resourceful, and quick on her feet, making her a valuable ally to Hiro.
As a Kourier, Y.T. understands the importance of establishing space on the pavement.
She's also a savvy businesswoman with a clear understanding of the value of information.

4. The Snow Crash Virus

Snow Crash is a mysterious virus that affects both the brain and computer systems.
Spreads through viewing a specific visual pattern (bitmap) or taking a drug that is chemically processed blood serum from infected people, lacing it with cocaine and other substances.
It can cause brain damage, rendering hackers vulnerable to control.

5. L. Bob Rife: The Antagonist

L. Bob Rife is a wealthy and powerful media mogul who controls the Raft.
He seeks to use the Snow Crash virus to control the population and establish a new world order.
Controls a religious cult and leverages technology for social engineering.
Amasses power through his control of information and communication networks.

6. The Raft: A Dystopian Society

The Raft is a massive floating structure made up of interconnected ships and debris, inhabited by refugees.
Represents a chaotic and anarchic society where basic services are scarce and violence is rampant.
Also is a media event, sustained by the media to create a lot of information flow, that the media makes money off of.
Serves as a breeding ground for L. Bob Rife's followers, making a new civilization, to give America fuel.

7. Ancient Myths and Modern Technology

The story blends ancient Sumerian mythology with modern technology to explore themes of language, power, and control.
The character of Enki represents a figure of knowledge and power who can manipulate the building blocks of reality (Me).
The concept of the "nam-shub" highlights the power of language and information to shape reality.
Explores the struggle between rational and irrational forces in society.

8. The Interplay Between Reality and Virtual Reality

"Snow Crash" explores the blurring lines between the physical and digital worlds.
Avatars in the Metaverse are more than just representations, they are extensions of people's identities and desires.
The novel raises questions about the nature of reality, identity, and human connection in an increasingly virtual world.

Q&A

Q: What is the significance of the name "Snow Crash"?

A: Snow Crash refers to both a physical state (the white noise on a screen) and a metaphorical concept: the breakdown of order and the collapse of reality, the term reflects the chaotic and destructive nature of the virus at the center of the story.

Q: How does "Snow Crash" critique society?

A: The novel critiques consumerism, corporate power, religious extremism, social inequality, and the loss of individual agency. The franchising is all about the promotion of certain ethnic and cultural identities forged together into a functional whole.

Q: What is the underlying message of "Snow Crash"?

A: It suggests that true understanding and freedom require critical thinking, creativity, and a willingness to challenge established power structures.

Target Audience

The book is targeted towards readers interested in science fiction, cyberpunk, and speculative fiction. It appeals to those who enjoy complex narratives, intricate world-building, and explorations of philosophical and technological themes. The target audience includes individuals fascinated by the potential impacts of virtual reality, digital communication, and globalization on society. Readers with an interest in computer science, linguistics, history, and mythology will find the book particularly engaging. Additionally, the book attracts those who appreciate thought-provoking social commentary and dystopian settings.

Author Background

Neal Stephenson is an American author known for his works of speculative fiction, often categorized as cyberpunk or post-cyberpunk. He is renowned for his complex plots, detailed world-building, and exploration of themes such as mathematics, cryptography, philosophy, and history. Stephenson attended Boston University, where he studied physics and geography. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a programmer and system administrator, which heavily influenced his writing. His notable works include "Cryptonomicon," "The Baroque Cycle," and "Anathem," showcasing his ability to blend intricate narratives with scientific and historical elements.

Historical Context

Published in 1992, "Snow Crash" emerged during a period of significant technological advancement and cultural shift. The early 1990s marked the rise of the internet and personal computing, setting the stage for Stephenson's exploration of virtual reality and digital communication. The book reflects anxieties and fascinations surrounding the increasing influence of technology on society, mirroring the cyberpunk genre's broader commentary on corporate power, social fragmentation, and the blurring lines between the real and the virtual. The end of the Cold War also influenced the book's themes, with Stephenson depicting a fragmented United States where corporate entities replace governmental authority, a nod to the shifting geopolitical landscape of the time.