"The Three-Body Problem" is the first book in a series by Cixin Liu, praised and awarded the Hugo Award for Best Novel. The novel's plot is based on China's Cultural Revolution time frame, and it unfolds a secret military project where they broadcast signals into space, welcoming a civilization on the brink of extinction to invade Earth. Humans classify themselves into groups looking forward to a partnership with outsiders or preparing to combat the invaders. Set in a science fiction background, this epic tale of survival, ethics, and the universe's expanses revolutionized the genre's scale and uniqueness.

As one of China's most acclaimed science fiction writers, Liu has an extensive and extremely wide readership. Liu gained his first working experience as an engineer in a nuclear power plant before he dedicated himself to writing. His other works include "Death's End" and "The Dark Forest."

Ken Liu did the English translation. He is one of the world's most appreciated authors of speculative fiction. He has won several awards and authored many popular books.

Concept and Plot

The book is a captivating story of alien contact that focuses on the journey of physicist Ye Wenjie. Eventually, she was sent to a mysterious military depot known as Red Coast. Some years later, nanomaterials scientist Wang Miao and policeman Shi Qiang get themselves caught up in an enormous scheme based on unexplainable deaths found in a virtual game, 'Three Body.' As Wang delves deeper, he uncovers shocking revelations about the universe.

Kirkus Reviews lauded the novel for its striking resemblance to the works of renowned science fiction authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven. Yet, it distinguishes itself by embedding its intricate plots, mysteries, conspiracies, and revelations within a culture and political context unfamiliar to Western readers. The translator provided helpful footnotes, enhancing readers' understanding of the narrative. The reviewer described the novel as remarkable, revelatory, and a must-read.

A review in Medium provided a mixed assessment of the book. The reviewer praised its well-written narrative and engaging storytelling rhythm, comparing it to classic sci-fi novels by Clifford Simak. The novel tackles various ideas, including future technology, politics, and physics, which adds depth to the story.

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However, the reviewer objected to the involvement of Deus ex machina for resolving the plot points too often and breaking the fourth wall at times. Deus ex machina refers to a plot device in which something or someone provides a solution to an issue that looks impossible to resolve.

The reviewer also disagreed with the book's premise regarding the Dark Forest hypothesis, finding it flawed and inconsistent.

Tackling One of the Oldest Questions in Science Fiction

NPR's review of "The Three-Body Problem" applauded the book for addressing humanity's interaction with extraterrestrial intelligence, a longstanding inquiry. The narrative follows characters like Ye Wenjie and Wang Miao, embroiled in a convoluted mix of conspiracy and philosophical challenges. The novel combines rigorous science fiction, relatable characters, and an engaging action-thriller plot.

NPR acknowledged the book's slow start and the need for readers to grasp Chinese history and culture but emphasized that the effort is worthwhile.

Overall, "The Three-Body Problem" stands out for its universal themes and profound exploration of moral dilemmas, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

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