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Childhood's End
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction
- Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
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The Last Theorem
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- Written by: Frederik Pohl, Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
- Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Two of science fiction’s most renowned writers join forces for a storytelling sensation. The Last Theorem is a story of one man’s mathematical obsession, and a celebration of the human spirit and the scientific method. It is also a gripping intellectual thriller in which humanity, facing extermination from all-but-omnipotent aliens, the Grand Galactics, must overcome differences of politics and religion and come together...or perish.
Written by: Frederik Pohl, and others
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Rendezvous with Rama
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- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
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At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge, weighing more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system at inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft. Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for mankind's first encounter with alien intelligence.
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Fantastic!!!
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ok novel
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In 2130, an alien spaceship, Rama, entered our solar system. The first product of an alien civilisation to be encountered by man, it revealed many wonders to mankind; but most of its mysteries remained unsolved.… Sixty-six years later, a second approaching spacecraft was detected; four years on, the Ramans are definitely returning. But this time, Earth is ready. And maybe now, with the arrival of Rama II, some of the questions posed by Rama will at last be answered.
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Jack Kernigan is having a bad day...a bad year...a bad life. After being booted out of MIT, he’s back in his Ohio hometown, working for the family business, facing a life of mediocrity. Then one day, out on a delivery, his truck hits...something. Something big...something furry...something invisible. And, it turns out, something not of this Earth. Fate can play funny tricks. Which is why Jack suddenly finds himself the planet’s best hope to unravel a conspiracy of galactic proportions that could spell the end of the human race.
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Entertaining, but Dennis E Taylor formulaic
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Written by: Dennis E. Taylor
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The Last Theorem
- A Novel
- Written by: Frederik Pohl, Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
- Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two of science fiction’s most renowned writers join forces for a storytelling sensation. The Last Theorem is a story of one man’s mathematical obsession, and a celebration of the human spirit and the scientific method. It is also a gripping intellectual thriller in which humanity, facing extermination from all-but-omnipotent aliens, the Grand Galactics, must overcome differences of politics and religion and come together...or perish.
Written by: Frederik Pohl, and others
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Rendezvous with Rama
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- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge, weighing more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system at inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft. Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for mankind's first encounter with alien intelligence.
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Fantastic!!!
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Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
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The Collapsing Empire
- The Interdependency, Book 1
- Written by: John Scalzi
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Our universe is ruled by physics, and faster-than-light travel is not possible - until the discovery of The Flow, an extradimensional field we can access at certain points in space-time that transports us to other worlds, around other stars. Humanity flows away from Earth, into space, and in time forgets our home world and creates a new empire, the Interdependency, whose ethos requires that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It's a hedge against interstellar war - and a system of control for the rulers of the empire.
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ok novel
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- Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
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Overall
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In 2130, an alien spaceship, Rama, entered our solar system. The first product of an alien civilisation to be encountered by man, it revealed many wonders to mankind; but most of its mysteries remained unsolved.… Sixty-six years later, a second approaching spacecraft was detected; four years on, the Ramans are definitely returning. But this time, Earth is ready. And maybe now, with the arrival of Rama II, some of the questions posed by Rama will at last be answered.
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Not a true sequel
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Jack Kernigan is having a bad day...a bad year...a bad life. After being booted out of MIT, he’s back in his Ohio hometown, working for the family business, facing a life of mediocrity. Then one day, out on a delivery, his truck hits...something. Something big...something furry...something invisible. And, it turns out, something not of this Earth. Fate can play funny tricks. Which is why Jack suddenly finds himself the planet’s best hope to unravel a conspiracy of galactic proportions that could spell the end of the human race.
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Entertaining, but Dennis E Taylor formulaic
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not what I expected.
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The collapse of The Flow, the interstellar pathway between the planets of the Interdependency, has accelerated. Entire star systems - and billions of people - are becoming cut off from the rest of human civilization. This collapse was foretold through scientific prediction...and yet, even as the evidence is obvious and insurmountable, many still try to rationalize, delay and profit from, these final days of one of the greatest empires humanity has ever known.
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Late in the 26th century, the human race has advanced enough to accidentally trigger the Inhibitors---alien-killing machines designed to detect intelligent life and destroy it. The only hope for humanity lies in the recovery of a secret cache of doomsday weapons---and a renegade named Clavain who is determined to find them. But other factions want the weapons for their own purposes---and the weapons themselves have another agenda altogether.
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At last, one of the world’s greatest works of science fiction is available - just as author Stanislaw Lem intended it. To mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Solaris, Audible, in cooperation with the Lem Estate, has commissioned a brand-new translation - complete for the first time, and the first ever directly from the original Polish to English. Beautifully narrated by Alessandro Juliani ( Battlestar Galactica), Lem’s provocative novel comes alive for a new generation.
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Unforgettable
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At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge, weighing more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system at inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft. Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for mankind's first encounter with alien intelligence.
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An all-time Favourite
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Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
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Adrian Tchaikovksy's critically acclaimed stand-alone novel Children of Time is the epic story of humanity's battle for survival on a terraformed planet. Who will inherit this new Earth? The last remnants of the human race left a dying Earth, desperate to find a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover the greatest treasure of the past age - a world terraformed and prepared for human life. But all is not right in this new Eden.
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SF masterwork in the style of Brin or Vinge
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Revelation Space
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Nine hundred thousand years ago, something annihilated the Amarantin civilization just as it was on the verge of discovering space flight. Now one scientist, Dan Sylveste, will stop at nothing to solve the Amarantin riddle before ancient history repeats itself. With no other resources at his disposal, Sylveste forges a dangerous alliance with the cyborg crew of the starship Nostalgia for Infinity. But as he closes in on the secret, a killer closes in on him because the Amarantin were destroyed for a reason.
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Rough Narration
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Written by: Alastair Reynolds
Publisher's Summary
But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own.
As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?
BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why this novel, written in the 1950s, is still relevant today.
What the critics say
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What listeners say about Childhood's End
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Dan J Eickmeier
- 2018-04-11
Sadness
This is amongst the saddest novels I have ever read. I think it is the suggestion that our current direction of development is ultimately futile. Our focus on technologies and a simplistically materialistic life can never amount to anything that matters is intimidating, if only in that at some level I think many of us suspect that to be true. I know myself, I have recently become very disillusioned with my relationship with technology. Email, Facebook, EBay and Amazon consume much of my time yet do little if anything to expand my mind or feed my soul. I do not believe in the transcendent version of human evolution that is presented in this book either. I am an existentialist and a Zen Buddhist. These are a different kinds of materialism. But I think both existentialists and transcendentalists alike would say that our focus on these distractions interferes with our quality of life. Yet I listened to this book on my iPhone, almost exclusively in cars, trains and airplanes and I am posting this thought on Facebook, condemning Facebook. Perhaps that is why this is so sad to me. I can see that train wreck coming, I know where the switch control is but yet, I don’t have the guts to pull it. That makes me profoundly sad!!!😢😱
14 people found this helpful
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- Kk
- 2017-10-12
Great 50's Sci Fi Classic
Holds up impressively well
would recommend for anyone looking to get into sci fi books
4 people found this helpful
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- Alex
- 2022-06-07
Great story, great narration!
One of his best works and it was put together very well. I’ve already listened to it 3 times.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-12-06
Still seems visionary, 70 years later.
Still seems visionary, 70 years later. Great performance of a great story. Thank you. etc
1 person found this helpful
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- J Blair
- 2021-11-25
Profound and well worth the time
Very good book, somewhat slow paced and distant but it really delivers in the last few hours. I was hesitant to buy this book because it didn't seem like good value at just under 8hrs, now that I've finished the book I know it will stick in my mind for a very long time.
1 person found this helpful
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- Ses
- 2021-11-08
spoiler in intro!!!
I wonder who come up with idea to put a poiler about how book ends just in into! too bad.
1 person found this helpful
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- Liam Britt
- 2021-08-31
Best all time
prophetic beyond comprehension, true brilliance unparalleled in the modern era. Huxley's brave new world is completed with Clarke's mysticism and ponderings of the ultimate mystery.
1 person found this helpful
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- Cierenius
- 2021-02-05
fantastic scifi novel
super original story and the performance suits the characters well. I need to go find more Clarke
1 person found this helpful
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- JC
- 2020-12-19
Best SF Ever, a must read (or listen).
Superb plot, wonderfully executed. Clarke had so much foresight that this title is still largely realistic & applicable after almost 70 years.
1 person found this helpful
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- D. Urquhart
- 2018-07-10
Creative and wonderful with a few slow stretches
Excellent concepts and creativity for a classic, strong science fiction book. Strong narration as well. Only a few slow sections in the middle of the story (eg. Social ‘scenes’ typical for 1950’s sci-fi at the time that have a similar tone) hold it back from being a truly 5/5 star story. I would recommend this book strongly, though.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 2008-11-17
Food for Thought
Great dialogue and deeply-drawn characters were never Arthur C. Clarke's strengths. Instead, what makes him an all-time great are his IDEAS. And CHILDHOOD'S END is as good a novel of ideas as sci-fi has seen. The story is somewhat simplistic: a powerful alien race descends upon Earth and dominates the peoples of the planet, ostensibly for their own good. Earth, essentially, accedes to the Overlords - and a Golden Age ensues. But Man's ultimate fate is not necessarily the one we'd choose for ourselves. This was an especially resonant theme for the 1950's, when the Nazi threat of WWII was a fresh experience - and the Cold War loomed. But it's no less urgent a message for today.
The book does take a while to get going, and the latter half is far more satisfying and better written. (Thankfully, Eric Michael Summerer's narration more than makes up for the sluggish pace early on.) If some of the characterizations and technology seem archaic, that's actually perfectly consistent with the story - after all, the immediate impact of the Overlords' rule is that Mankind stops advancing - technologically, artistically and spiritually. The world of the future remains the world of the 1950's.
In a contemporary author's hands, the same story would be told with more elegant prose. But the ideas are as fresh as ever - and CHILDHOOD'S END gave me much to think about.
66 people found this helpful
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- Ryan
- 2012-09-30
Still a classic of visionary science fiction
The last time I read this book was when it was assigned to my English class in eighth grade, and it was a pleasure to come back to as an adult and re-experience the same emotions I did back then. This is science fiction about the wonder and awe of discovery, the bittersweetness of letting go of the primitive past, and the ultimate destiny of the human race. It's not a dystopian or cautionary tale, as so much science fiction, but a book about what it means for our species to reach adulthood -- and a sacrifice that that may one day demand of us.
The story begins, in classic form, with the visitation of beings from the stars. The Overlords arrive on Cold War-era Earth in immense, silver starships, and immediately establish themselves as vastly superior, but benevolent masters. Yet, they refuse to reveal themselves in person (at least not right away) or explain their ultimate purposes. Here, one might guess, as some characters do, at sinister intentions.
But, nothing so crude comes to pass, and Clarke proceeds to a new generation of characters, as the Overlords usher in a new era of peace and worldwide prosperity for the human race. Not to mention a certain amount of ennui and loss of purpose, as mankind finds that most of its traditional problems are solved. Yet, a few people continue to puzzle over the mysteries about the Overlords and chafe against the restrictions they still impose. What are the reasons? Several intrepid explorers begin to find out.
The writing is simple and unadorned, and the characters not particularly complex in their construction (not to mention a bit 1950s), but there's a subtle eloquence to the way the story unfolds, each stage in the human race's progress revealing a little more about the fate that must eventually come. And Clarke's writing is still a pleasure to read for its vision, its thoughtful ideas about the forms that different alien races might take, the capabilities of advanced technology, and how human society might continue to function when the primary need is that of avoiding boredom. Though a few assumptions are showing their age (newspapers, radio), much of this 1953 story still speaks to the 21st century. Clarke continues to remind us of how little we know about what's out there in the universe, or how limited our evolution has been compared to what's possible.
Read it, if you haven't yet. Or read it again. Childhood's End is one of the works that sets the template for great science fiction, and will likely still contain meaning for new readers in fifty years.
4.5 stars.
59 people found this helpful
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- Theodore
- 2012-03-06
Bittersweet... Mind boggling.... Eye opening....
I just finished listening this book, did so under the request of a friend of mine. This is a sci-fi classic and with this being my first sci-fi novel really I must say I am impressed of course but... to say this is bittersweet is an understatement if you ask me.
The narration is not super great but it is adequate enough. I found it a bit laughable when he tries to voice the children but he was able to describe the feeling well enough. His tone and voice is poignant enough to keep your attention, It could have been better, but it could have been worse of course.
The word I would use most to speak about the story itself is... bittersweet. While listening to the book I was intrigued all the way, which speaks well of both the story and the narration but as the book closed I started getting a bit... saddened as to how I saw it ending. I won't ruin the story for anyone but you will understand when you get there. It does have some very interesting points, makes one truly wonder about the fate of humanity in a sense and I must confess I remember having my own theories regarding alien existence which is akin to this... but I does end on a bit of a sad note if you ask me.
For my first sci-fi novel, it really does a good job to me about representing the genre, I will say out-right though that this might not be my cup of tea, but it was well done. Decent narration, great concept story-wise but a bittersweet ending.
37 people found this helpful
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- Albertina
- 2011-11-19
Childhood's End-what a great listen! Thx Clarke
Where does Childhood's End rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is my 1st audio book & loved it 40+ yrs ago & still love it now. It is even better the 2nd time around. Due to arthritis I had stopped reading as much as I use to & had trepidations about using Audible. At first I kept falling asleep during the reading (probably due to medications) but then I figured out how to just listen to a section at a time unless I was able to sit at the computer on my good days. This was also helpful allowing me to listen to larger sections w/out falling asleep. My falling asleep does not mean that this book was boring, it was anything but, Well, after a bit I was totally into the book as if I were reading it myself.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Childhood's End?
Can't say bcz it would give away one of the book's surprises/shocks.
Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No, I have not bcz this is my 1st Audible book.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Only extreme reaction I had was curiosity and shock. Curiosity drove me from one chapter to the next & shock came more than once but especially near/at the end. However, if you have never read the book before there will definitely be more than one shock. The shock came at the end for me bcz I did not remember the ending from 40+ yrs ago but I did remember another shocking moment very clearly & every time I heard Arthur C Clark's name, I remembered that shocking moment. There were other instances when I remembered that shocking moment. But if I tell you what those instances were, it would give away one of the surprises and or shocks in the book.
Any additional comments?
The story is as marvelous as it was before. I swear Arthur C Clarke has the best imagination ever. You start w/the usual alien invasion but there is nothing usual after that. Clarke keeps you hanging in there wondering what, why, how, etc. at every step. If you like violence (so called action), faeries, vampires, etc., this is not the book for you. If you like cerebral mysteries like Poirot, Agatha Christie, etc, you will be totally engrossed in this best of the best sci-fi novel. Listen to it now! Use as a read for your book club-it will give you a whole lot to talk about. This is science fiction at its best! Remember, listen to it as soon as you can! Your intellect needs it, trust me. This book is like manna from heaven and listening to it w/out having to deal w/a book in your hand makes it so easy to enjoy.
31 people found this helpful
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- Joey
- 2009-02-19
My all time favorite book
After seeing and loving the movie "2001" in the 70's, I began to read Clarke exclusively. This one turned out to be his best and I've reread it many times over the years. The sheer imagination of this story took me on a journey I'll never forget. I was thrilled when it came out as a new selection at Audible and the production is great. If there's ever a time like "Fahrenheit 451" this will absolutely be the book I'll memorize.
28 people found this helpful
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- Noe
- 2009-01-21
One of the best SF novels ever.
Readers unfamiliar with the early great works of science-fiction may fail to grasp the significance of this novel. It towers alongside H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds as the best of the alien invasion genre. So many lesser writers and movie producers have borrowed heavily from Arthur C. Clarke's rich narrative and deep insight into human existence. But let none be deceived: here is the pure source - a marvel from one of the SF masters. This is a very good reading as well and overall a truly enjoyable listening experience.
24 people found this helpful
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- Jim "The Impatient"
- 2015-11-07
THE STARS ARE NOT FOR MAN
LESS ZEST FOR THE FEW, BUT MORE TRANQUILITY FOR THE MANY
This book like many of Clarke's is a political statement or conversation. If an alien race came to our world and ended our ability to make war, what would be the result? Of course things are slanted in Clarke's favor as would be expected since he wrote the book. Clarke has always been anti-war and anti-religion. If you are strongly sensitive about religion, you might take offense to this book and many of Clarke's writings. I find it interesting that he seems to believe in a soul. The simple act of taking away man's ability to make war, seems to take away some of his rights. It could be compared to the gun control debate of today. In this book he says in the future we will not care about the difference in skin color. He paints a picture of a future South Africa, where the blacks are in controll and the minority whites are discriminated against. The overlords give the whites equal rights, but not control. This was written in 1953. He talks about the abundance of entertainment, especially TV, that will be available in the future. He is astonished that in the future man will spend an average of 3 hours a day watching TV. He talks about soap operas, but they way he says it, it sounds similar to Reality TV. We have the Federation and the word Futile is mentioned. I wonder if Gene Roddenberry was a fan?
WOMEN HAVE BEEN FAINTING THROUGHOUT TIME
One of my favorite parts was when ten thousand people felt the wound given to a bull in a bull fight. The Overlords, said that we could kill each other, but not animals, except for food or self-defense. Once everybody felt the pain a bull goes through in a bull fight, that was the end of that. As liberating as Clarke was and all of the things this brilliant man saw, he did not see women as equals. He does not consciously put them down, he just refers to them as weak stay at home types and they never have leadership roles. It often depresses me, in how he looks at man and he often reminds us on how small we are in comparison to the universe. He might be right, but it is not anything I liked rammed down my throat. There are no character development in any of Clarke's books, they are usually thought driven. They are often on an epic scale. The second half of this book goes into a sort of metaphysical stage and honestly kind of weird. I was not crazy about the ending.
If you are a Clarke fan, or big into Science Fiction, than this is a must read. This is a good look into the mind of a genius. Being a genius he is still not correct in all things, but it is amazing the amount of things he got right and may still get right in the even more distant future.
22 people found this helpful
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- Little
- 2011-12-05
WOW
It is amazing that in his time, Clarke could imagine such awesome events. While hard to follow the details at times, they are important to the story, and fill in the blanks as you go along. Eric and Robert keep you drenched in the story, and wanting more.
The end is unexpected, but nicely tied up!
15 people found this helpful
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- Vered
- 2008-11-05
Enjoyable, Classic, old fashioned Eutopia Sci-fi
A sweet reminder of Old fashioned somewhat philosophical Sci-fi - men encountering superior outer space beings and questioning their own existance.
A bit simplistic, but considering the decade in which it was written, it's a real beauty.
15 people found this helpful
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- Anna K
- 2011-04-21
Absolutely breathtaking...
This was the first Arthur C. Clark novel I have ever read. After watching 2001: A Space Odyssey, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't "get" what was going on in this novel. However, the book totally blew my mind and left me feeling awe and wonder in the concluding chapters. This is a must read!
9 people found this helpful
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- Oiseau Moqueur
- 2019-02-22
Lu et relu et maintenant entendu
Bien que je lise très très peu de SF, j'ai du lire celui-ci au moins quatre fois en français ou en VO et je l’emmènerais dans une ile déserte; L'idée de l"écouter m'a semblé amusante. Il faut s'habituer un peu à l'accent du narrateur et après tout roule.