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Rendezvous with Rama  By  cover art

Rendezvous with Rama

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Peter Ganim, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction
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Publisher's summary

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. It will kindle their wildest dreams...and fan their darkest fears. For no one knows who the Ramans are or why they have come. And now the moment of rendezvous awaits - just behind a Raman airlock door.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why Rendezvous with Rama will make the listener "feel both humbled and exhilarated at the same time".

©1973 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1974
Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1973
John W. Campbell Memorial Award, Best Novel, 1974


"A frighteningly logical, believable, and grimly prophetic tale...Clarke is a master." (Los Angeles Times)
"A first-rate tour de force." (The New York Times)

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What listeners say about Rendezvous with Rama

Average customer ratings
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    5,790
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    3,054
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    1,072
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, great performance

Really couldn't "put this book down." One of the best I've listened to on Audible.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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My favourite sci-fi book so far

No wonder this book is a classic. They should definitely make it a movie. Narration was a little too slow and stilted, but he did a good job with the accents.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love Arthur C Clarke

What did you love best about Rendezvous with Rama?

The book kept my attention all the way through, just like the paperback.

Any additional comments?

It was disappointing to discover when I went to download the next book in the series to discover Audible doesn't carry the rest of the series. I wish there had been a warning on the Rendezvous with Rama page that the rest of the series was unavailable instead of labeling it as book 1 in a series. :( I wouldn't have bothered to download it.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

the reader sounds like a bot

he only sounds good when doing the character voices , but there is very little dialog

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best space fantasy!

I wish there was more! The world feels so alive and interesting. I can't help but share the curiosity of the characters, and share the tragedy that they all feel by the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story

exploring Rama was wonderful. (possible spoiler?) The way A.Clark gave the commander a "common man" feel made the wonder of Rama very accessible to my imagination and allowed me to participate in decision making.

the performance was very slow and I adjusted the reading to 1.5 and I probably could have gone to 2x speed. HHwwhy the slowness? no idea. I still recommend it. enjoy.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

SIRI has more inflection.

The story was good, well written. The narrator was bearable played at 1.5x speed, and does a credible north-ender Aussie accent. Played at normal speed, it was like listening to a stoned Vulcan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of Arthur C. Clarke's best.

Simple yet complex. Great novel. This and Childhood's End are his best novels.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Rama fabulous!

One of my favorite clarke stories. I hope they add the rest of the series to audible. The performance was phenomenal too. My two hours of driving every day is so much more fun listening to great books like this one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An Arthur C Clarke classic, emphasis on class. Real science, real awe and wonder delightfully performed.

Clarke takes you there with science, thoughtfulness and clarity. Not magic or fantasy but clear explanation of how and why. Believability while witnessing unfolding wonder. Don't miss your rendezvous with Rama. A+

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