Book Review: ‘Decoded’ by Mai Jia

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Updated 09 October 2024
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Book Review: ‘Decoded’ by Mai Jia

The novel “Decoded” by Mai Jia (the pen name of the author Jiang Benhu) is a gripping read that examines the themes of genius and obsession amid the intricate world of cryptography.

Translated from the Chinese by Olivia Milburn and Christopher Payne in 2014 after first being published in 2002, this novel is set against the backdrop of the Second World War and the subsequent political turmoil in China.

The story follows the life of a brilliant but socially isolated mathematician named Rong Jinzhen.

From the moment I started the book, I was drawn into its rich world of intellectual intrigue, as well as the unique blend of historical context and the complexities of the human psyche.  

Rong is portrayed as a prodigy, gifted with an exceptional ability to decipher codes. However, his talent comes at a price. His obsession with mathematics isolates him from people.

I found myself empathizing with his struggles, especially as he navigates the challenges of connecting with others while being consumed by his intellectual pursuits.

This duality is beautifully crafted by Mai who paints a vivid portrait of a man torn between his passion and the desire for human connection.

The narrative unfolds in layers, revealing not just the intricacies of cryptography, but also the psychological burdens that come with such brilliance.

The tension between Rong’s isolation and his pursuit of knowledge resonated deeply with me, sparking thoughts about the balance between personal ambition and relationships.  

Mai’s prose is both lyrical and precise, capturing the essence of each character and setting. The pacing kept me on my toes, with moments of tension and revelation that had me racing to the next chapter.

The novel is not just a thriller, it is a profound exploration of identity, the price of genius, and the shadows cast by the past.

What struck me most was how the story transcends its historical setting. It raises timeless questions about the nature of intelligence and the human condition.

By the end, I was left contemplating the fine line between brilliance and madness, and the deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

However, there were aspects of the book where the pacing felt uneven, with certain sections dragging on while others raced by. I found myself wishing for a more consistent rhythm, as the slow moments sometimes detracted from the gripping tension.

Additionally, some of the cryptographic details, while fascinating, are overly technical and could alienate readers not familiar with the subject. This occasionally pulled me out of the emotional core of the story. 

Mai has crafted a narrative that lingers long after the final page, inviting readers to ponder their own paths and the connections they forge along the way.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu

Updated 03 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu

In “From Click to Boom,” Lizhi Liu examines a digital solution: governments strategically outsourcing tasks of institutional development and enforcement to digital platforms—a process she calls “institutional outsourcing.”

China’s e-commerce boom showcases this digital path to development. In merely two decades, China built from scratch a $2 trillion e-commerce market, with 800 million users, 70 million jobs, and nearly 50 percent of global online retail sales. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Liu argues, this market boom occurred because of weak government institutions, not despite them. 


REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games

Updated 03 November 2024
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REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games

LONDON: “Astro Bot,” one of Sony’s flagship titles for the PlayStation 5, raises the bar for 3D platform games.

Positioned as a competitor to well-known characters such as Mario and Sonic, this game delivers a delightful, imaginative experience, brimming with vibrant levels, innovative mechanics, and a healthy dose of nostalgia that will appeal to younger players and longtime PlayStation fans.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The storyline is simple but leaves plenty of room for the player’s imagination. You play as Astro, a charming robot hero on a mission to rescue his fellow bots scattered across various galaxies after an attack on their spaceship. While the narrative is not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well, keeping the focus on the gameplay.

“Astro Bot” is designed to engage players of all ages. With a 7-plus age rating, it’s accessible to a wide audience — my 4-year-old, for example, finds it captivating. The game offers about nine hours of playtime for those focused on the main story, with closer to 17 hours for completionists seeking out bonus areas and treasure.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Visually, “Astro Bot” shines. Across six distinct galaxies and more than 80 creatively designed levels, players will explore tropical paradises, icy landscapes and futuristic environments, each packed with charm and variety. The level design ensures the game stays fresh throughout, keeping players engaged.

One of the game’s standout features is its exceptional use of the PS5’s Dual Sense controller. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make Astro’s movements feel more immersive than ever. New gadgets and abilities, like animal-themed power-ups, are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, adding depth and variety. The way the game maximizes the controller’s features makes every jump, glide and gadget interaction feel responsive and exciting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“Astro Bot” is also a treasure trove for PlayStation history enthusiasts. With more than 150 iconic characters to collect — like PaRappa the Rapper, Kratos from “God of War” and Nathan Drake from “Uncharted” — the game taps into nostalgia that will bring a smile to long-time fans.

Accompanied by a playful soundtrack composed by Kenny C.M. Young, which is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, the overall experience is joyful and engaging.

In short, “Astro Bot” is a must-play for PS5 owners. It provides fun for all ages and sets a new benchmark for platforming games.


Book Review: ‘Gulf Women’s Lives’

Updated 03 November 2024
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Book Review: ‘Gulf Women’s Lives’

“Gulf Women’s Lives: Voice, Space, Place,” edited by Emanuela Buscemi, Shahd Al-Shammari and Ildiko Kaposi, explores the experiences of Gulf women through three themes: voice, space and place.

“This timely volume fills in a serious gap in research and contributes to countering stereotypes and prejudices about Muslim and Arab women, specifically those located in the Arabian Gulf,” the 2024 anthology’s blurb promises.

Through a mix of essays, literary analyses and personal narratives written by scholars and practitioners, the majority of whom are from the Gulf, “Gulf Women’s Lives” highlights how the women of the region have carved out their own path, navigating complex gender roles and expectations within public and private spaces, and often challenging traditional stereotypes that depict them as submissive or powerless.

Many stories written in the West about Gulf women paint us all with the same broad brush: we are either sad or mad. This book offers a nuanced view of how Gulf women exercise agency and construct their identities. Its interdisciplinary approach combines sociology, literature, media, law and disability studies. Each chapter is grounded in theoretical discussions about gender and the agency of women within Gulf societies. Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami’s 1987 artwork, “Waiting,” is featured on the cover.

The first part, “Voices,” features three pieces rich with anecdotes: Al-Shammari’s “From Stigma to Speech: An Autoethnography of Bedouin Culture, Writing and Illness,” Kaposi’s “Women Talking Back: In Conversation with Sekka Magazine’s ‘Managing Storyteller’ Sharifah Alhinai,” and Buscemi’s “Bodies on the Margins: Nonconforming Subjectivities in Gulf Women’s Literature.”

Part two, “Spaces,” features Emirati Noura Al-Obeidli on the challenges facing female Emirati journalists in the newsroom; Nora Jaber’s critical analysis of women’s petitions and gender reforms in Saudi Arabia; and Maryam Al-Muhanadi on divorce among Qatari women.

“Places,” also features three essays, each vital to telling the individual and collective story of women in the Gulf.

The women who contributed to this volume dedicated each page to how women in the Gulf have been asserting themselves — within traditional and modern contexts — and address issues such as activism, mobility and societal expectations.

The book has a slightly academic format but is simple enough to read. The theoretical reflections and conversations challenge us all to go beyond narratives of submissiveness, powerlessness and victimization.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Power of Prions’ by Michel Brahic

Updated 02 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Power of Prions’ by Michel Brahic

Over the last decade, scientists have discovered the importance and widespread presence in the body of a remarkable family of proteins known as prion proteins.

Research links various types of prion proteins to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s—and this has fueled the search for new drugs that could halt the progression of these terrible disorders.

Other discoveries have revealed the essential roles prion proteins play in memory and immunity, and—in an extraordinary finding—the part they may have played in the beginnings of life on our planet.


What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm

Updated 01 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm

The current rise of nationalism across the globe is a reminder that we are not, after all, living in a borderless world of virtual connectivity. In “Nationalism,” historian Eric Storm sheds light on contemporary nationalist movements by exploring the global evolution of nationalism, beginning with the rise of the nation-state in the 18th century through the revival of nationalist ideas in the present day.
Storm traces the emergence of the unitary nation-state—which brought citizenship rights to some while excluding a multitude of “others”—and the pervasive spread of nationalist ideas through politics and culture.