Hominids

The Neanderthal Parallax, Book 1

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Robert J. Sawyer

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Neanderthals have developed a radically different civilization on a parallel Earth. A Neanderthal physicist, Ponter Boddit, accidentally passes from his universe into a Canadian underground research facility. Fortunately, a team of human scientists, including expert paleo-anthropologist Mary Vaughan, promptly identifies and warmly receives Ponter. Solving the language problem and much else is a mini-computer, called a Companion, implanted in the brain of every Neanderthal. A computerized guardian spirit, however, doesn't eliminate cross-cultural confusion; permanent male-female sexuality, rape, and overpopulation are all alien to Ponter. Nor can it help his housemate and fellow scientist back in his world, Adikor Huld, when the authorities charge Adikor with his murder.

BONUS AUDIO: Author Robert J. Sawyer explains why Ponter Boddit is his favorite among all the characters he's created.

Hunt and gather: listen to more in the Neanderthal Parallax trilogy.

©2002 by Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 2003

"Sawyer is a writer of boundless confidence and bold scientific extrapolation." (The New York Times)

Canada's answer to Clark and Asimov

This was the first book I ever listened to on Audible, and I still recall the magic of the experience, how I was longing to discover more even before it was over, and looking back on it all, I couldn't have picked a more perfect book to start than this. Mr. Sawyer does a wonderful job of combining cutting edge science, likeable and believable characters, and even crafts and alternate world that's totally alien, yet still relatable and easy to comprehend. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Canada (both from our world, and the alternate world of the Neanderthals), that almost made it feel like I was there with the characters, though I suppose Sawyer had an advantage as a native (and proud) Canadian. I loved how Sawyer introduces the book, and gives it the quality of being like an old friend when you've read all the books (like I have), and Jonathan Davis did a superb job narrating. For me, this was the start of a wonderful experience that still continues to this day, I only hope this book will do the same for my fellow listeners.

Fascinating!

What if humans and Neanderthals evolved in parallel universes, and what if they met? This is the point where the book takes off. The author presents well rounded figures, almost plausible events and so sucks you into this world. I came to care for the main characters and couldn't wait to see what happens next. I even walked around the block a few extra times because I was in a spot where the audio equivalent of "I couldn't put the book down" occurred. The narrator was wonderful, the story was wonderful and the characters are wonderful-- what more can you ask for?

I can't wait for the next part of this trilogy: I'm hooked!

Great Science Fiction!

Let your imagination carry you to a world based upon...hunting/gathering, a stable population, the rhythm method (don't frown, they have lots of sex), long term contribution to society, experience prized over strength, science moves forward thru cooperation and without prejudices, violence is not tolerated, crime is very rare yet there is tremendous freedom for all, all life is precious, a very green world. Wait, don't think this is utopia; there are problems, big ones; but what interesting notions thru which to examine our own world. These books examine many foundational ideas/beliefs/principles that we take for granted; stand them on their heads and paints one (of the many possible) picture of what may fall out. The narration is excellent; distinct character voices, perfect pace, and precise pauses to let your mind extrapolate on the image/ideas. I have never written a review but was compelled to write this to give some balance to the reviews of this great trilogy. I agree Hominids was the best and I give it 4.4 stars with Humans and Hybrids close behind with 3.8 stars each (of course I have to fit into the !format! given and round all to 4); but they should really be all taken together as a whole. It probably would have been a really great but long single book. But I understand Sawyer has to pay his bills (and I want him to eat so he writes more books) also there is some suspense in breaking up a good tale. Lastly I have been listening to audio books for over 25 years and what you will enjoy is very personal, highly dependent on where you've been, where you are in life and what happened yesterday and today. So take all the reviews with a bucket of salt; listen/read to lots of different authors/narrators/genre/old books/new books/fiction/nonfiction and determine for yourself what You like/believe/and want to expand upon.

Humanity, homo sapiens anyway, are bad

Would you try another book from Robert J. Sawyer and/or Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer ?

I don't know. Not right now. I got impression he is angry at something.

What about Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer ’s performance did you like?

Great performance, I enjoyed it.

Super interesting story

Where does Hominids rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Middle of the road

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hominids?

When the time wall is breached

What does Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

emotional weight

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

A story out of the ordinary. You have to like Sci Fi

Absolutely excellent

Would you consider the audio edition of Hominids to be better than the print version?

Even though the story is excellent, I imagine that listening to the book narrated by a talented professional, as this book was, brought it more to life.

What did you like best about this story?

It causes the reader to rethink our social behavior, especially in the area of crime and religion.

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

I found it hard to take breaks. I looked for every opportunity to continue listening.

Any additional comments?

I'm anxiously anticipating Book II in the series.

Amazing!!

This story was totally wonderful on more levels than I can count! My family and I can't wait to dive into the next book! Sawyer is a gift to readers everywhere!!!

Well worth a listen

I liked it. It felt like a good matinée. I will listen to the sequels also.

Compelling concept from a great writer

I'm becoming quite the fan of Robert J Sawyer. This story has a wonderful story and a great concept. I find myself wishing the book was longer! Looking forward to the next one.

Good but not Hugo Award Good

It was a decent book with a good premise. It felt slightly dated in a few spots. My main beef with this novel is that the main character, the Neanderthal was cheesily "surprised " about various aspects of Human culture. It felt more as if this author wanted to criticize humanity than what I think the actual thoughts of a Neanderthal would be. Also all characters seem very accepting of alternative realities and all of that. This makes the book feel unrealistic.