Raises the big questions of our existence

Not my usual choice but aiming to read the Booker long list for the first time ever so…I found the plot slow to start with seemingly endless descriptions and discussions of microbiological science. Perhaps this was authorial indulgence or on reflection, perhaps necessary to enfold the reader in the vastness of those so called big questions. I’m not sure. But I did speed up the narration to 1.3x and it made the story a tad more exciting.

As others have said, things only really got exciting about three quarters of the way through and then suddenly the story was over. I wanted more of the excellent description about the end of the voyage and the future. Has it convinced me to try another eco sci-fi? Probably not, but overall it was worth a read.

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Intriguing in places

I found the book intriguing in places, yet over all slow paced and it struggled to keep my attention. The main character annoyed me, but I don’t think the very gentle voice of the narrator made me feel any link to her. I also found the fact her sister took up the story towards the end as annoying.
There were moments of deeper reflection but for me they were few and far between.

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Interesting sci- fi concept

I would not normally choose a sci-fi book this intense. However once I got into it I really enjoyed the unusual concept of the story. The book does move around a lot charting the life of the main character and her family but once you get into the rhythm of the book it becomes a very enjoyable listen.

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1 person found this helpful

compelling story, oddly flat narrator

I stuck with it and it is a fascinating and compelling sci fi story and well worth the listen...I wish the narrator was more expressive

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Staggeringly beautiful story

I can see why it was shortlisted for the Booked prize, this is an exquisitely crafted book which gives hope for our planet.

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Comparisons to Contact

All reviews are subjective of course, and this is no different. The tone of the narration is almost whimsical or dreamlike, and suits the protagonists recounting of her life from young girl to the scientist described in the books summary. Whether you find the earlier accounts interesting enough to persevere is entirely down to if you find the story engaging enough or are curious as to where its going. An action rollercoaster this is not.

It's easy to draw comparison to Carl Sagans 'Contact'; young girl, impressionable relationship with father, scientist, space programme etc. with subsequent plot points confirming the comparison. This book is no Contact but borrows the same beats.

The reader/ listener may get frustrated by a number of 'fast forwards' which initially frustrate, and it takes until the characters training for a potential space mission where the story kicks into gear. Whether that's too late for many readers is up for debate.

Persevere until its conclusion and you're rewarded with a profound-lite conclusion and a few unanswered questions (unless I missed something...entirely possible).

The narrator has a easy to listen to lilt, a slight accent which suits the character, and does a convincing job of the first person narrative. The various characters voices could do with greater differentiation, however this is a minor quibble on an overall solid narration.

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7 people found this helpful

Insightful with many thought provoking ideas.

The narrator was exceedingly boring, reminded me of school days listening to people reading aloud in class. irritating and constant mispronounced words - illution for illusion, malaria with the final three syllables pronounced like aria, guage pronounced like gorge, origons as OR-igins, could not even say occasionally correctly. If the narration had been more interesting, this would not have been so irritating but it just added to what was a very tiresome listening experience. l am surprised that there is not better editing of narration to remove this kind of thing, are narrators actually auditioned?

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Excellent!

The product of a restless and inquisitive mind. I absolutely loved this book. I'll be honest, I kind of wish I'd read it rather than listened to it and may still do. There are so many ideas in here and so many things that I've pondered too. The way that Martin Macinnes weaves all these disperate yet interconnected ideas together is fantastic. Plenty of food for thought. Highly recommended.

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INTERESTING STORY LET DOWN BY A FLAT NARRATION.

An astonishing novel about a young microbiologist investigating an unfathomable deep vent in the ocean floor, leading her on a journey that will encompass the full trajectory of the cosmos and the passage of a single human life.
The idea of the book was interesting, but I felt it was drawn out and could of done with at least an hour's less material. What really surprised me was how flat the narration was by a performer who is a professional voice actor. Her characterisations are played with the same tone and it makes it very difficult to understand who is talking. After a while I almost gave up because of her performance, but I did want to finish the story, so I persevered. Hard going and I am not sure if its worth it.

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Overwhelming

I found this novel engaging my emotions far more than I anticipated.Science, philosophy personal relationships and the concept of infinity are all combined to relate an incredible journey. Be prepared for a brain and emotion workout.

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