Galatea 2.2: A Novel Kindle Edition

A carefully narrated story-line bound up with the incredible intricacy of the English language. I loved the fact that all the (sometimes technical) thought-provoking exploration of meaning, syntax and communication is nicely balanced with the unfolding story line. Sometimes all the computational IT aspects were a bit overwhelming, but totally necessary for the plot to unfold, as the linguistic experiment to develop a computer that can master language, and appreciate literature and poetry, develops alongside all the unsustainable relationships that the writer has with various women, seeking the perfect one. The novel explores the inner reaches of language and emotion. Linguistic gems are scattered throughout. A challenging but ultimately satisfying read

I am completely hooked on Richard Powers. This novel is written as an autobiography, and much of it seems to be relatively true, insofar as casual Google searches indicate. Where fact and fiction diverge, only a few people would know, but no matter. The brilliant, evocative, precise, and unsparing writing is coupled to an engaging and timely plot that mixes a failed love story with an multidisciplinary investigation into artificial intelligence (AI), or so it seems. Powers the virtuoso writer seems somewhat subdued here compared to, for example, Orfeo, where the language sang off the pages. Here, there are concepts and constructs of AI and computing to untangle if one can, but I don’t think it matters if one can’t. Just suspend disbelief and go with the narrative flow and the river of prose, with all of its eddies. One sees parts of other books pop up in different clothing here: guarding the artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, for example. The story is melancholy but filled with moments of joy. For fans of literature, Galatea 2.2 must go on the list with urgency.

I read this book in two days and cried through the last 50 pages. I don't know what else to say.

Before buying this book, I read a review of the Japanese edition of the book, and thought that even I, a non-native speaker of English, should be able to read its original English edition rather easily because of the following reasons: (1) The author Richard Powers studied physics before becoming a writer, and I am a physicist. (2) This is a scientific novel about artificial intelligence. In fact, this book has very rich contents more than computer-based neural networks, and full understanding requires much knowledge about Western literature. Thus it was rather tough for me to read through it. After finishing, however, I am quite satisfied with the struggle I had with this book.The protagonist, named after the author, joins the project being undertaken by the cognitive neurologist Philip Lentz, and trains a series of neural networks, which are named Imp A, B, C, and so on (Imp is an abbreviation for Implementation). Their work place, the Center for the Study of Advanced Sciences, is located at U. Along with this story, Richard's love affair with his former student C. is told. They once lived together in B. They are however separated, and Richard is attracted to another young lady, A. Imp A, B, C, etc. are okay, but as for ladies C. and A. and places U. and B., what rough naming the author made in this work! But wait. This might be a technique to give the story much reality like a private note.I have been training a female friend of mine to read and write in English only by exchanging e-mail messages written in English these several months. This limited method of training is in a sense quite similar to Richard's training of neural networks, and I have found many parallels between this novel and my experience. Even from this fact only, I can conclude that this book is well written. Imp H or Helen learned too much and finally . . . Oh, this is not what I want to happen to my pupil and me. I highly recommend this novel to all intelligent readers.

Great book

Fascinating exploration of artificial Intelligence and personal relations. Very creatively told.

Truly a thought provoking novel that leaves one with a feeling of exhiliration and desire for more of same. A great novel as we embark upon the millenium. I am presently reading "The Goldbug Variation" to replenish my thirst for the literary genius of Richard Powers, and I will read all his books, eventually.

Overly intellectualized. Would rather read an actual research tract on embodied cognition and a novel about real people with real emotions and relations.

This year I discovered Richard Powers' writing. His books are extraordinary and ambitious in their scope and diversity. Galatea 2.2 is an exploration of the way thought and language construct a multi layered reality.It examines the way the brain talks to itself by trying to make a powerful computer imitate the uniquely human act of reading literature. Surprisingly, it is deeply engaging on an emotional level. He even made me empathise with the sufferings of an artificial intelligence!The cover image is wonderfully apt. From the opening poem by Emily Dickinson to the final paragraphs I was satisfied at every level by his marvellous linguistic gifts and his ability to construct a tightly woven and constantly surprising tale. It was also interesting to encounter the fictionalised author as a character in his own text, not least because he reflects on what lay behind some of his earlier writings. This is an important book by a writer of exceptional gifts. Few novelists can match his erudition and originality. Best of all, his intellect does not detract from the humanity and emotional life of his characters.

This novel poses some good food for thought when it comes to things such as a modern version of the Turing test and other really interesting philosophical questions. While it wasn't a book that I stumbled upon purely by chance, indeed, I had been assigned it during a university class, it was a pleasure to read and I didn't want to put it down. There's a lot to digest here, and that's quite refreshing when it comes to a novel of this genre.

I've received the book well before the estimated delivery date! The book's in a perfect condition, just as described, thanks a lot!