Rendezvous with Rama

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Peter Ganim, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

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)

Great sci-fi read for space geeks

I thought this was an excellent story and was well thought out scientifically as well as entertainingly.

Narration not as bad as other make it sound.

If you could sum up Rendezvous with Rama in three words, what would they be?

Will Listen Again!

What does Peter Ganim and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The introduction was unexpected as I only picked up the book based on the summary and didn't know there was one. It did provide some nice information, but was not really needed.

Unlike many others, I thought Peter Ganim's narration was good for this novel. Not knowing the exact way the text and punctuation is laid out in the book, I have to trust that the pauses were what Clarke intended. However, some did seem a bit too long, but did not distract me from an enjoyable novel.

This is however after coming off a book where I thought the narrator used a tone of voice trying to make the whole book I previously listened to sound dramatic by drawing out her words.

Any additional comments?

I plan to listen to this again, heck, I almost want to do so right now, but there are so many more books to enjoy. Only other thing is to hope that they will get the next 3 books added to the site.

Good but.

Another reader, and the book would have been great. He has a kind of slow voice.

Fantastic Book. Great Narrator.

Where does Rendezvous with Rama rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my first audiobook, and I loved it. The narrator was perfect for the tone of the book. Some other reviewers have said that he sounded like a robot. He doesn't. This book is about discovery and the tension that comes with that. It was great.

Who was your favorite character and why?

If Rama can be considered a character, she was my favorite.

What about Peter Ganim and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) ’s performance did you like?

The accents and the tension carried in their voices as the characters explore Rama.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The rescue of Johnny from the cylindrical sea.

Any additional comments?

Fantastic!

Incredible Hard Sci-Fi

What did you love best about Rendezvous with Rama?

It's hard to pin down everything I love about RWR, however I will say Clarke does an incredible job describing scenes without making the descriptions too boring.

What did you like best about this story?

The sense of wonder and how insignificant the human races attempts at space travel have really been.

Which character – as performed by Peter Ganim and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) – was your favorite?

Norton

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

This book isn't big on the emotional front as there isn't much drama beyond exploration.

Any additional comments?

RWR is my personal favorite Sci-Fi book of all time. Clarke captures everything about the science of exploration that expanded my horizons when I was a kid to a some what obsessive level for space travel and the universe at large. Coming back to this book again after 10+ years was incredibly refreshing. Sometimes you don't need deep character development to tell a great and gripping story.

A side note, many other reviewers have commented on the monotone narration. While it is fairly flat, I never found it unbearable or annoying. I feel it fits with the content.

Written by a time traveler!

I'm sure the real A.C.C. is visiting his home time clipping news articles to source another game changer novel which will be "found" in a pile of paper.
I'll wager that Clark's Hillman Minx Mk 3 is actually A TIME MACHINE!!!!
Evidence of time travel status ACC accurately describes the design and construction of a human powered vehicle that would not be built in successfully flown until the 1990s to thousands. There are several other technological advances ACC accurately describes or uses as vehicles in the story.
Loved this book
A must read. One of only 3 books ever to win ALL of the major SF NOVEL AWARDS

Great story but extremely bad reader

The reader is a candidate for the audible Hall of Shame, but the story is still so good it is an enjoyable experience

Classic Sci-fi, with actual science.

Would you consider the audio edition of Rendezvous with Rama to be better than the print version?

The audio version is amazing, the performers do a good job at evoking the scale and tension of exploring the alien artifact.

What did you like best about this story?

The unraveling mysteries, the science explained or alluded to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

There goes the neighborhood.

Best SF Book Ever! Worst Narration Ever!

Where does Rendezvous with Rama rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best story ever.....the narrator sounded like siri.

Who was your favorite character and why?

RAMA

What didn’t you like about Peter Ganim and Robert J. Sawyer - introduction ’s performance?

He sounded like a robot. Absurdly bad.

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

Yes...it's a classic.

Great Story. Strange Narrator

loved the story. great piece of sci fi mystery.
but the narrator sounds like the g-man from half life.