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"Cryptonomicon" is a novel written by Neal Stephenson in 1999. The book is a complex and multi-layered work that combines elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and cryptography. The novel is divided into three main storylines: the first set during World War II, the second set during the late 20th century, and the third set in the present day. The characters in each storyline are connected by their involvement in a secret project called "The Crypt," which is a fictional organization that uses cryptography to protect military communications.The first storyline takes place during World War II and follows the character of Lawrence Waterhouse, a brilliant young mathematician who is recruited by the U.S. government to work on a top-secret code-breaking project. Waterhouse's mathematical skills are put to the test as he works to break the German Enigma code, which is used to encrypt military communications. The story also follows the character of Randy Waterhouse, Lawrence's grandson, who is a computer programmer and hacker in the present day. Randy becomes involved in the Cryptonomicon project, a secret organization that is working to create a "data haven" where encryption can be used to protect sensitive information from government surveillance.The second storyline takes place in the late 20th century and follows the character of Avi Halaby, a young Arab-American businessman who is trying to build a telecommunications company in the Philippines. Avi's company is threatened by the government's attempts to control the country's communications infrastructure, and he is forced to seek the help of the Cryptonomicon project to protect his business.The third storyline takes place in the present day and follows the character of Bobby Shaftoe, a retired marine who is working as a security consultant. Bobby is hired by the Cryptonomicon project to help protect their data haven from government surveillance.Throughout the novel, Stephenson uses cryptography as a metaphor for the way in which information is controlled and manipulated by those in power. The characters in the novel are constantly struggling to protect their secrets and protect themselves from the prying eyes of the government. The themes of secrecy and surveillance are also present in the novel, as the characters are forced to grapple with the implications of living in a world where privacy is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.Overall, "Cryptonomicon" is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of technology, politics, and human nature. The novel's intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a captivating and satisfying read, and its themes of secrecy, surveillance, and the power of information resonate with the reader even after the book is finished.