Rating: 
Summary: A tremendous first novel tackling the question of identity.
Review: Powers' tackles how we look at ourselves, at others, and at history in this wonderful novel. Using the inception of photography, and one photograph in particular, as a reference point, he winds three separate tales that culminate not only in a varied cast of characters but in a fine understanding of how 'image' and the twentieth-century have become synonymous. A galley-full of historical references makes this not only a wonderful read but a lesson in the meantime. One of his finest
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and accessibilly written novel
Review: Richard Powers is probably the most accessible of contemporary "literary" novelists. In this, his first book, he weaves the stories of three farmers on the eve of WWI with the lives of contemporary characters. The "glue" of the story is the photograph that is run across at a Detroit exhibit showing the three farmers in 1914. It's a well written and thoughtful piece on obsession, change and the 20th century. Better in some ways, than even his more highly praised later books. Powers does a masterful job of integrating several characters into his storyline and integrating several discourses throughout. Especially interesting is his discourse on the work of photographer August Sander. I frankly had never heard of him and now find myself looking for pieces of his work in libraries and online. It's always a good sign when a piece of writing whether fiction or non-fiction spurs interests into directions you'd never have gone into. There is a connection with the characters that I get when I read Powers that I don't get with DeLillo, Franzen or other "PoMo" writers. That's not a criticism of them but rather a praising of Powers writing.
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and accessibilly written novel
Review: Richard Powers is probably the most accessible of contemporary "literary" novelists. In this, his first book, he weaves the stories of three farmers on the eve of WWI with the lives of contemporary characters. The "glue" of the story is the photograph that is run across at a Detroit exhibit showing the three farmers in 1914. It's a well written and thoughtful piece on obsession, change and the 20th century. Better in some ways, than even his more highly praised later books. Powers does a masterful job of integrating several characters into his storyline and integrating several discourses throughout. Especially interesting is his discourse on the work of photographer August Sander. I frankly had never heard of him and now find myself looking for pieces of his work in libraries and online. It's always a good sign when a piece of writing whether fiction or non-fiction spurs interests into directions you'd never have gone into. There is a connection with the characters that I get when I read Powers that I don't get with DeLillo, Franzen or other "PoMo" writers. That's not a criticism of them but rather a praising of Powers writing.
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and accessibilly written novel
Review: Richard Powers is probably the most accessible of contemporary "literary" novelists. In this, his first book, he weaves the stories of three farmers on the eve of WWI with the lives of contemporary characters. The "glue" of the story is the photograph that is run across at a Detroit exhibit showing the three farmers in 1914. It's a well written and thoughtful piece on obsession, change and the 20th century. Better in some ways, than even his more highly praised later books. Powers does a masterful job of integrating several characters into his storyline and integrating several discourses throughout. Especially interesting is his discourse on the work of photographer August Sander. I frankly had never heard of him and now find myself looking for pieces of his work in libraries and online. It's always a good sign when a piece of writing whether fiction or non-fiction spurs interests into directions you'd never have gone into. There is a connection with the characters that I get when I read Powers that I don't get with DeLillo, Franzen or other "PoMo" writers. That's not a criticism of them but rather a praising of Powers writing.
Rating: 
Summary: Impressive First Novel. Not for Casual Readers.
Review: This book consists of three intertwined sagas, all revolving around a picture of three farmers taken in 1914. The main idea behind this book, as I see it, is the interconnectedness of observer and observed. The lives of people who see this picture are irrevocably changed, but the prospect of having their picture seen by generations of future viewers, changes the lives of the three farmers as well. This is a recurring motif in the book. After reading this book, I discovered two amazing facts. The first is that this is Richard Powers' first novel and as such the virtuosity and craftsmanship that Powers' exhibits in this book are truly incredible. The second incredible fact is that the picture around which the novel revolves is a real one. Had I known these facts before reading the book, I would have enjoyed it even more. On the down side, this book is not an easy read. The story itself never really gripped me, and there are a lot of dead spots. In addition, while the prose is beautiful it demands concentration and close attention to every word and sentence. Bottom line, I will definitely read Powers' other works, but I cannot recommend this one to the casual reader.
Rating:
Summary: Strong and accessible intro to an astonishing writer
Review: This is an easily read (be patient, it will make sense) first read for someone who has not read Powers before. Start here, skip Prisoner's Dilemma, and then read your heart out for the best modern fiction available. I envy first-timers this discovery.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing tour d'force Overpowering view of our centuryt
Review: This was the first of Powers' books that I read. My wife thought I would like it because it was about photography, which it was not. A powerful spanning of the century from a field in Belgium before WWI to the Detroit Insitute of Fine Art in the mid Nineties. Swept me away.
Rating:
Summary: An exquisite tour de force
Review: To call this book a great read would merely debase it,Power's prose electrifies and moves & his writing dazzles us with it's brilliance...Compelling literature,the writing is seamless and the effect devestating.In short,powerful,intricate,superbly constructed and immensely intellectually satisfying.According to me it ranks up there with the best of his work(The Goldbug Variations and Galatea 2.2
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