Confusion
by Neal Stephenson
(Second book of the Baroque Cycle)
*spoiler warning*
Confusion picks up just where Quicksilver leaves off – in the late 1600s in Europe and North Africa, and it continues with the main characters from the first book. Notably, anti-hero “Half-cocked” Jack Shaftoe and Eliza, Duchess of Qwghlm. And a host of other fictional and historically-real secondary characters like Daniel Waterhouse, Leibniz, Isaac Newton, Jean Bart, and Sophia of Hanover, amongst others.
There are two main storylines.
One: Where Jack comes out of third-stage syphilis delirium and leads a diverse rascal band of former galley slaves on a wild quest to steal a boat-load of silver, then return with it back to Europe via the Pacific. Readers get a taste of 17th-century Algiers, Cairo, Mughul India, Malabar, Japan, and Spanish Mexico.
And Two: Where Eliza faces her own troubles in the French court of Louis XIV at Versailles. Eliza’s attempts to regain her financial footing after being robbed by famed French Corsair Jean Bart teach the reader about international trade and markets of 17th century Europe. Eliza also expertly navigates between competing power factions to reunite with her kidnapped son and get vengeance on the man who wronged her. Eliza becomes a mother, suffers from Smallpox, and manipulates financial markets in Lyon and London.
Confusion springs from one storyline to the next, thus the reader stays captivated. There are so many true historical figures and concepts that I recommend keeping a notepad beside you for further research.
Confusion is a decent book of fiction for those who aren’t afraid of the vulgar and who love reading about history and adventure. And it is a definite step up from Quicksilver – book one of the Baroque Cycle Trilogy.
Did you read the Baroque Cycle? Do you like Neal Stephenson? Any thoughts about Confusion in particular?