Replay

By: Ken Grimwood

Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1988, 43-year-old Jeff Winston died of a heart attack. But then he awoke, and it was 1963; Jeff was 18 all over again, his memory of the next two decades intact. This time around, Jeff would gain all the power and wealth he never had before. This time around he'd know how to do it right. Until next time.

©1998 Ken Grimwood (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

World Fantasy Award, Best Novel, 1988

Refreshingly different.

This is a great book with a new take on mystery. I very much enjoyed.

Great story overall--elite time travel novel

This became my favorite time travel novel. It is, while amazing for the genre, and more generally in sf/fantasy, it is also a great piece of literature in and of itself, regardless of classification. With some philosophy mixed in.

Couldn't stop

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Once I started listening to it, I couldn't stop. The whole time travel idea has always fascinated me. This audiobook answered some of the 'what ifs' we'd ask ourselves, if we traveled back in time. I highly recommend it. The narrator was decent.

A great story idea from an inexperienced author

Any additional comments?

This novel has a rich premise, and I kept wanting it to be a really good book.

In the hands of a great author, it could have become a classic novel about the human condition.

Unfortunately, the story is hampered by uneven character development, opaque character motivations, random plot jumps, and a lack of effective editing or an overall story arc. To me, it felt like the first novel from a promising author who has yet to hit his stride. It reminded me of Robert Heinlein's first novel: some interesting ideas from a writer who is still learning his craft, and hasn't yet figured out how to make his characters come alive.

Hopefully Mr. Grimwood will keep writing, and hopefully he can find a good editor the next time around.

Good story but ultimately an audio Chick Flick

Great performance by William Dufris. Overall the story was interesting with a very well thought out plot, however make no mistake this is a romance novel. Fair warning.

I Left a Review Last Time

Time travel done really, really well, completely plausible. The evolution of the characters is satisfying, as are stories of their pasts. Excellent narration.

Amazing.

Just finished Replay and... Wow.

Replay follows the wandering journey of a man who through inexplicable means is given the chance to live his life over and over again. The author, Ken Grimwood is a man who (no matter what age he wrote this book) is wise beyond his years. Replay offers much to reflect upon, especially if you like the protagonist of the book are in the middle of your life with many years, decisions, and roads not crossed behind you, and yet potentially with many more to come. This book is going on my highly recommended list.

Intriguing premise that plays out with twists

Much enjoyed this book, and intriguing premise that plays out as expected at first, the has several pleasant twist to the plot. Very thought provoking.

ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK!

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

I love them both. The audio version makes you slow down and really pay attention, the only drawback being that you can't 'see' some of the more exotic/foreign names that come up and it's harder to look them up when you want to learn more about some of the events in the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I hate to say it, but the slutty Sharla character is one of my favorites. No pretense, no lies just 'okay, let's go' or 'for that much money you can have another one for the road'. I like that she shows up in a few of the replays. She's not the greatest person but at least she's honest.

Which character – as performed by William Dufris – was your favorite?

I really like the way that he did the ladies' voices - he made them sound genuine and real.

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

This book ALWAYS puts me in a reflective mood. The possibilities are endless.

Any additional comments?

This book has been one of my all time favorite books for decades. To spend the money to have it on audio as well as print was a pleasure and a privilege.

Loved this book!

So thought provoking! What could you do with five live times? Loved it.
Story was unique, sometimes It felt like an episode of twilight zone. Great narration. I highly recommend it.