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)

Fantastic Sci Fi Story

I loved this story. It had great, accurate science and some really wonderful character building. I adored the world and the people in it and I found myself worrying about the Neanderthal's decisions after the book was over. Can't wait to read book 2.

Scicen Fiction Can Be Literature

I found the book fast paced, well narrated and well edited. Some complain of the politics and religion but this is literature. Since we can't discuss these things at "polite gatherings" literature is appropriate except for those who wish pure escapism (While concise, entertaining and compelling certainly this is not a 'light' read).

It won the Hugo award (Science Fiction Writer's "Oscar" as most likely know), and only rarely are such prizes awarded to art without any merit.

Much fuss is made by some about the graphic sexual assault which is brief but absolutely key to distinguishing two cultures and a woman's feelings about a more sensitive being.

My only critique, is I found the verisimilitude lacking in the other culture regarding their belief system. I would think any being that could contemplate its death might have different views. A line or two more explaining their reasons would have helped. That is my only critique.

Finally, remember this is fiction. If one finds FICTION so offensive why bother reading? I can understand political or religious NON-fiction being offensive but isn't the joy of fiction that it's just "make believe?"

The price is right considering its length.

Awesome!

This was a great science fiction book of parallel universes the meet. What would it be like if they developed differently though? Humans were only a weak race that once lived while neanderthals excelled. Mary, a women in today's earth has been asked to verify the genetics after a neanderthal accidentally passes through a temporary portal. Mary is a women torn between what she once was and recent events who is trying to cope with the world not being what she thought.

This was a wonderful novel that made me think for hours after reading many sections. The largest downfall was an intensely boring section about 2/3rds into the book that I don't feel added to the story, luckily it wasn't very long but it did drop this book from a five to a four. Aside from the small part is was great.

Don't give me your politics

I liked this book because of it's sci-fi and science. But at the beginning of this book Mr. Sawyer says that Ponter is his favorite character he's ever created. I think if he's proud of creating an atheist, communist, cave man, I'd be afraid to read his other characters. I don't like to read fiction that throws politics down my throat. I don't care what your politics are or even if I agree with them but it should be neutral in sci-fi. Politics are ruining sci-fi just look at the recent flop "Day the Earth Stood Still" to prove that. Please give me your science, your mystery, your, drama, and even give me your romance. But please leave your politics at the door. I would have preferred instead of describing everything wrong with our world if the book would describe all that bad thing's in Ponter's world as well. But I will continue reading this series because I enjoy the science and other subject matter.

Slow But Interesting

Sawyer has some interesting ideas that make this book worth reading, but the story's pace dragged considerably in my opinion. At times the story tends to slip into thinly veiled political commentary that does little to advance the plot, or develop the characters. What it seems Sawyer is tryng to convey is a dystopic view of our world seen through the eyes of a neanerthal from a parallel universe. If you don't agree with some of the interpretations, it can be quite jarring (which perhaps was the point). I think this story would appeal to fans of "hard" science fiction - where the focus is on the speculation within.

Fast read

This book was a "fast" read. I enjoyed it, and wanted to go on to the next book. The characters are fully developed, and the premise is interesting. There is also social commentary.

A fine book and naration, but some rough edges

Let's look at the review in 2 sections, the narration and the book. Overall it's a fun read and I'm glad it's available. Will this book stand alone as a classic, no.

Narration: Davis attempts to do accents, and Louise's accent almost killed the book. She's French Canadian and Davis gave her a Parisian French accent. They are as different as American English and British English, with no love lost between the two cultures. Being Canadian and very familiar with French Canadian's speaking English it made me cringe every time the character appeared in the story. Oh no, he might use that awful accent again! Thankfully, she is a minor character. The rest of the narration is enjoyable, though the accents come and go.

Book: His explanation of earth almost makes me want to give up and crawl back into a cave. The author seems to basically setup Ponter's world as the garden of eden, a wonderful place with no crime, rich in technology and living in perfect harmony with nature. He then contrasts this with our world and the mess we've made of it. While he's right on somethings, it seemed too lopsided. Almost to the point of, what's the point? I'm guessing later books in the series this might change.

I would not describe the rape scene as graphic. Not if you've seen any movies in the last 25 years anyways. It's well described, and enough for the reader to know why the character is the way she is. Was it required for this book, no. For the series? I'm guessing yes.

Fantastic

It kept me going through hours of freeway driving. Both the intrigue and the science kept me fascinated. I was convinced that it all just might happen. Wow.

Worth the credit

I enjoyed the book. Some very intriguing ideas. A lot of people complained about the rape scene, but it wasn't that bad. Brief and not too detailed. Not enough to detract from the book over all in my opinion.

A great mix of sci-fi and humanity.

The author delivers a great story and a combination of plot, science, imagination and a little something to think about for those on a high horse. Loved it!