The Speed of Dark

By: Elizabeth Moon

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past. Most genetic defects will be removed at birth; the remaining during infancy. Unfortunately, there will be a generation left behind. For members of that missed generation, small advances will be made. Through various programs, they will be taught to get along in the world despite their differences. They will be made active and contributing members of society. But they will never be normal.

Lou Arrendale is a member of that lost generation, born at the wrong time to reap the awards of medical science. Part of a small group of high-functioning autistic adults, he has a steady job with a pharmaceutical company, a car, friends, and a passion for fencing. Aside from his annual visits to his counselor, he lives a low-key, independent life. He has learned to shake hands and make eye contact. He has taught himself to use "please" and "thank you" and other conventions of conversation because he knows it makes others comfortable. He does his best to be as normal as possible and not to draw attention to himself.But then his quiet life comes under attack.

It starts with an experimental treatment that will reverse the effects of autism in adults. With this treatment Lou would think and act and be just like everyone else. But if he was suddenly free of autism, would he still be himself? Would he still love the same classical music - with its complications and resolutions? Would he still see the same colors and patterns in the world - shades and hues that others cannot see? Most importantly, would he still love Marjory, a woman who may never be able to reciprocate his feelings? Would it be easier for her to return the love of a "normal"?

There are intense pressures coming from the world around him - including an angry supervisor who wants to cut costs by sacrificing the supports necessary to employ autistic workers. Perhaps even more disturbing are the barrage of questions within himself. For Lou...

©2002 Elizabeth Moon (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

Nebula Award, Best Novel, 2003

• Favorite Audiobooks of 2010 (Fantasy Literature)

Gripping

First time listening to a story about an autistic main character. I know very little about the neuro divergent. This story is an interesting take between choosing the type of self to be.

Well-performed, well-intentioned, but meh overall.

Would you try another book from Elizabeth Moon and/or Jay Snyder?

I don't think I'd give another Elizabeth Moon book a try, to be honest. This book felt like it was designed to accomplish something very specific that she set out to do, and whether or not the book was a strong book on its own was irrelevant to her goal of bringing attention to the concept of "healing" autistic people. I would be hard-pressed to imagine her other books being better-built.

The narrator, however, did an outstanding job of encompassing the many characters and voices he was asked to undertake. I was very happy with how the audiobook was presented.

Would you ever listen to anything by Elizabeth Moon again?

I would not, no. There were some substantial flaws in the book despite its intriguing premise, and I found myself often exasperated at how those flaws colored my perception of the book at large.

Have you listened to any of Jay Snyder’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I would be willing to do so again. That said, I tend not to follow *narrators* from one book to another. I choose my audiobooks by whether I would have wanted to read the book itself.

Did The Speed of Dark inspire you to do anything?

It made me want to learn ASL, since I felt like the entire "autism cure" premise was a mediocre allegory for cochlear implants.

Any additional comments?

This book means well. It really does, and I have a lot of respect for the author for taking it on. But there were some fundamental issues. The characters are either saints or devils; there are no shades of gray. Everybody is either Lou's biggest supporter or actively trying to make his life difficult. Nobody is indifferent.

The ending of the book, from the "treatment" forward, progressed so quickly that I'm not entirely sure it was fully intended. It felt as though it was tacked on because an editor asked for it, not because it was key to the plot.

"The Speed of Dark" was a phrase often incorporated directly into conversations in the book, often shoehorned in. It felt like a reminder, "hey guys, this is what the book is called!" I don't think it served any compelling purpose other than to explain why the book was titled what it was.

Certain characterizations seemed to be repeated at every opportunity. I swear, I lost count of how often Lou described himself as "sweaty", generally for little or no reason.

This was an ambitious book, and a worthy attempt, but it could have stood another round of editing by a talented editor, who would have fixed many of these issues.

Very intriguing

This was a great listen. A good vehicle showing how making choices can have both really great and really sad outcomes at one and the same time. I highly recommend this novel --- makes you think and sticks with you afterwards.

I wish the narrator was better

The book was interesting and many of the concepts were spot on, but the narrator made Lou sound like he was stupid, but he was definitely above average intelligence.

As an autistic person, I didn’t like how the autistic people were all portrayed as somewhat simple minded. The narrator seems to think we all speak as if we are intellectually disabled, and that is grossly incorrect. I won’t insert a spoiler, but I will say I did not completely like how it all turned out.

This is such a good book!

Where does The Speed of Dark rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Normally I just go for straight Sci Fi and ignore everything else. It is my way of escaping the doldrums of this world. I rate this as one of the best I have ever listened to. My other time was the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. I think this one is at least as good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Its hard to pick a favorite character. You tend to like one or the other more or less depending on the situation. Just like life.

What does Jay Snyder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The thing about audio books is that having a single person reading to you is sometimes a little annoying. I do wish women read female characters and men the male characters. Everything else requires a bit of a mental shift. Still Jay Snyder made it work. In fact I took this book because he was the reader.His style keeps me interested.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely could not put this one away. I had it playing while I was going to sleep so that I don't lose a moment.

Any additional comments?

I relate to these autistic characters in a way that makes me want to have my friends listen to this. Maybe they would understand me more. I hope there will be more books featuring these guys.

interesting concept

What did you love best about The Speed of Dark?

As a parent of a son diagnosed with Autism - the book made me think. it was the basis for many interesting discussions at my house. If autism could be cured - would you take the treatment?

Any additional comments?

this book also offered some interesting insights into the world of autism.

Engaging and challenging

This is an enjoyable book. The narration is paced in an appropriately odd manner and the story line engaging. Try it.

not so science fiction

very good book but i wouldnt classify it as science fiction. worth the credit though.

WOW!!!

I work for the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. One of my co-workers and dear friend is autistic. So this story hit home for me. All I can say is WOW!!. Did not see the end coming. Yes I recommend this to anyone.

Well written and performed.

This story was very well crafted, and performed so well it became real for me. The main character will be with me for some time.
There were some real laughs,,and feelings of triumph and loss throughout the story,. But in the end it has left me melancholy.
I would strongly recommend the book for adults, but not when you are looking for something light to pass the time or cheer you up.
It is not for children. It is one long adult issue. There is also violence, mild allusions to sex, and just a few language issues.
I’m really glad I listened to it and I hope you will be as well.