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)

reader is a little stilted

The book is a bit more technical/not as character driven as I prefer, but I liked it overall. I wish the reader had been a little better.

Excellent job with an extraordinary story

Would you listen to Rendezvous with Rama again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again. I enjoyed it immensely.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The story wasn't exactly character-driven, but I don't have a favorite.

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

It certainly made me think, mostly about contact with aliens and the size of the universe.

Any additional comments?

I hadn't read this book previously and was fascinated by the story. The narration was top-notch.

Good, but not as great as anticipated.

Realizing this is the first book in a series, I had higher expectations -- hoping that the story and narration would lure me into yet another great series of "MUST listen, REPEATEDLY". It's a good read/listen...don't get me wrong...but not great, not what I expected -- and I WILL be back for the rest of the series -- but more because of Sir Arthur and his reputation than this first experience, this first listen.

(The narrator seemed to fall into an "almost Eeyore" sing-song delivery at times, almost as if he had higher expectations, too. )

Overall, an interesting plot and story line, just not meeting my (perhaps too highly anticipated) expectations. Still, it *IS* an Arthur C. Clarke offering and I am more than greatful to be able to add the series to my library. Thank you, Audible!

Terrible narration!

This may be a great one, I won't find out from this version. I'm not the biggest sci-fi reader, but I got this because I heard it was a great classic of the genre. But no way am I going to be able to listen to 9 hours of this narrator and his choppy, broken, monotone. I see there's another Audible version with a different narrator. Guess I bought the wrong one and can only hope It was a cheap deal. Listen to the samples!

Great story, terrible narration

Text-to-speech software would have sounded more natural. The. narrator. does. not use. any... natural. rhythm. At all. Through the entire book, you're stuck listening to the most robotic, over-enunciated reading possible. A few of the character voices are done better, but the vast majority of the book will just make your ears sad.

The story itself is awesome, and a sci-fi classic.

Wonderful

Thought provoking and entertaining, you feel as though you are part of the crew that explore the puzzle-filled Rama ship. It is a different world that it feels like you are exploring also.

fantastic story, poor narration.

The narration was choppy and distracting. need to contact RC Bray. l loved the story

Great book great read!

It's rare I can't guess the direction of a book had me guessing the whole time. If you love hard sci-fi or real science you will the the almost near future fiction of the story!

In Threes

I am 73 /years old. When a teen, I read a lot of sci-fi. This was my first. sci-fi since then. I really enjoyed the story and the reader. It kept me entranced from beginning to end. Loved the closing sentence. I had anticipated that possibility, but it was very fun to hear the words. Thank you for the hours of entertainment and future time to "remember".

Sir Arthur C.Clarke. The legion in Sience Fiction

Gripping story from start to finish. What an amazing adventure. Could not put it down.