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2/28/2017
In the era of nanotechnology, Hackworth (one of its foremost engineers) creates "A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer", which is essentially a very sophisticated parent/teacher/mentor/computer designed to educate and raise a child. It accidentally falls into the hands of Nell, a peasant girl, and subsequently transforms both her life and the future of society as a whole. In a nutshell, there is a conflict amongst people content to keep access to nanotechnology centralized and those who want to use it individually and for their own ends without restrictions (i.e. weapons systems). Nell and Hackworth being the 2 main protagonists who are trying to resolve it.
This book is complicated and dense, but nevertheless has good entertainment value (if for nothing else besides the adventures of Princess Nell within the Primer). I think it is overwritten and has some unresolved storylines, but this doesn't detract too much from an overall positive rating. If you are a fan of Stephenson, it is worth the read, but he has better work (i.e.: Snow Crash).