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Should I read Count Zero before Mona Lisa Overdrive?

Science Fiction & Fantasy Asked on May 4, 2021

I loved Neuromancer and want to look into going forward in the series. I happen to have Mona Lisa Overdrive. Should I wait until I have read Count Zero, or is it “safe” to read Mona Lisa Overdrive before?

2 Answers

Yes, you should read Count Zero first.

While the plot isn't a direct continuation, the events of Mona Lisa Overdrive take place a few years after Count Zero, and there are some recurring characters, so prior familiarity with them will probably make things more understandable, not to mention enjoyable.

Correct answer by Avner Shahar-Kashtan on May 4, 2021

In general it is "safe" to read any of Gibson's books in any order. Books within any of the trilogies tend to have enough distance from each other than "spoilers" are rare and don't detract significantly from one's ability to enjoy the prior books. The trilogies tend to be bound together by coherent themes and concepts. So you will better appreciate the trilogy if you read it in order, but your enjoyment won't be significantly harmed if you don't.

I've read both the Sprawl and Blue Ant trilogies multiple times, and found that my appreciation for each book increased on further readings. I know the plots well, but Gibson's genius is really in the texture and subtle detail.

I would almost suggest that if you believe that a book can be 'spoiled' by knowing its plot elements that you read a Gibson trilogy in reverse order to see how true this isn't of good literature. But then I have little patience for literature and film that relies entirely on a plot twist and is 'spoiled' if this twist is known ahead of time.

Answered by ObscureRobot on May 4, 2021

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