The Three-Body Problem (Remembrance of Earth’s Past, #1)

Review

One of the most well-written and realistic sci-fi novels I've read. Despite some wacky technology, the story feels grounded, like it could happen. My favorite moments were about the three-body game and the joyous awe of discovering patterns. But none of the characters felt very fleshed out/relatable but were more pieces of a story. It didn't strike any emotional chords in me, was more entertaining and smart, like an intellectual, historical mystery. Unlike other sci-fi(Dune, Foundations), this is not a triumph of the human spirit and ingenuity but more dashed with sorrowful, pessimistic takes on humanity. Perhaps this is what makes it feel more realistic/modern(postmodern) :(. Quotes: "Every era puts invisible shackles on those who have lived through it, and I can only dance in my chains." "She had once been an idealist who needed to give all her talent to a great goal, but now she realized that all that she had done was meaningless, and the future could not have any meaningful pursuits, either. As this mental state persisted, she gradually felt more and more alienated from the world. She didn’t belong."