Interface

By: Neal Stephenson, J. Frederick George

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 25 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

From his triumphant debut with Snow Crash to the stunning success of his latest novel, Quicksilver, Neal Stephenson has quickly become the voice of a generation.

In this now-classic thriller, he and fellow author J. Frederick George tell a shocking tale with an all-too plausible premise. There's no way William A. Cozzano can lose the upcoming presidential election. He's a likable midwestern governor with one insidious advantage - an advantage provided by a shadowy group of backers. A biochip implanted in his head hardwires him to a computerized polling system. The mood of the electorate is channeled directly into his brain. Forget issues. Forget policy. Cozzano is more than the perfect candidate. He's a special effect.

©2005 Neal Stephenson & J. Frederick George (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Nominee - Best Thriller/Suspense Audiobook, 2011

"As he deftly conveys the authors' chilling dramatization of the national political process, Wyman's voice sounds fresh and contemporary but seasoned with enough maturity to render him a believable newscaster. The authors' and narrator's storytelling skills mesh perfectly in a thriller of the sort that keeps one sitting in the driveway long after arriving home." ( AudioFile)

Should have been much shorter

Would you try another book from Neal Stephenson and J. Frederick George and/or Oliver Wyman?

I like much of Stephenson's work. His style tends to be long and overly bogged down in details at times. The imaginative plot often makes up for it, but this was too much. There was an interesting story buried in a seemingly endless sea of tedium. I would try other Stephenson titles based on my previous reads (Anathem, Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon were great). I'm not familiar with Frederick George... i would possibly consider giving another of his works a shot.Wyman's narration was good. Good voice acting for different characters even if his regular reading voice is not the most inviting.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The underlaying story about technology and a deep conspiracy were great. There was just sooooooo much detail given in the most trivial passages that it was torture to get through at times. An Abridged version might be great. I was also disappointed with the ending but others may disagree.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I think this title could make a decent movie.... it wouldn't get me out to the theatre (few movies do) but i would definitely watch it on bluray.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the least satisfying Stephenson titles i've listened to... second only to Diamond Age and perhaps some parts of the Baroque Cycle. If you enjoy tech and sci-fi, his better offerings include (as listed above) : Anathem, Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon. Don't know anything about J. Frederick George

This is a great read

Fans of Neal Stephenson will be enthralled by this roving story that takes a hard look at many important topics in today's world.

Most Timely Story

The comparison to current events is quite frightening. the fact that this was written nearly 20 years ago gives one pause. Highly recommend it.

Kudos to the narrator.

Outstanding voice acting. The narrator managed to imbue each character with its own distinct personality.

Love it

Despite the fact that you have to suspend disbelief about a good politician coming from Illinois, my home state, this is an excellent book and I have read it several times. I would highly recommend it, and I would highly recommend listening to the audio version of it as well.

Lost gem

Neal Stephenson Is rightfully famous for his complex speculative fiction. But this earlier work co-written with his uncle under a pseudonym doesn’t get enough credit. It was particularly fascinating to listen to this during this inauguration season

Another epic story, mixing SciFi & current events.

Another epic Stephenson story, very nearly predicting what has been coming in the 11 years since its release.

Back to what we love

The last Stephenson I listened to was disappointing, but this was not. A relatively early novel, it shows all the promise that the author has since delivered in titles such as the Baroque Cycle and Cryptomnicon. True it is co-written with Stephenson's uncle (a historian and teacher of history, albeit under a pseudonym), but the detail and the thought that is apparent in the narrative and the plot is pure Stephenson, as we now know him.
The plot is complex and clever. Having just returned from India, I found the Institute's trials particularly ominous, conscious as I am of how easily this could occur (if it has not already). Similarly the main plot line - how easily might this occur? Having just read Chris Mooney's, "Republican Brain", the GOP - Democratic nuance was entertaining, too.
Most of all I loved the characterisation. With a book this long there is no excuse for bad character development and you will not find this one wanting. William A Cozzano is a terrific character (he appeared in my mind's eye as a benevolent incarnation of the Commodore from Boardwalk Empire), as is Ffloyd Wayne Vishniak. Despite his status (as a Jedi of the Dark Force), I like Cy Ogle, too.
As to the performance, Oliver Wyman is an inspired choice. Besides the incidental double meaning his name brings to a well know management consulting house (not without significance in the context of Ogle's operations), his voices were spot on; entertaining, comic or sinister, as the need dictated.
I thoroughly enjoyed the returned to this genre. If you are a Stephenson fan, I think you will too. If you haven't read him, this is a good place to start.

Compelling and still relevant

It's strange, listening to a "near-future sci fi" from the 90's. But while then's cutting edge technology is fun to reminisce, then's politics are more relevant than ever.
As for the performer, his talent and repertoire of accents are jaw-dropping.
An excellent audio-read.

Excellent book

Another great Neal Stephenson book. One of his early works, so not up to his more recent standards, and a bit out of date, but still very good. We'll worth the time.