The Flicker Men

A Novel

By: Ted Kosmatka

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

A quantum physicist shocks the world with a startling experiment, igniting a struggle between science and theology, free will and fate, and antagonizing forces not known to exist.

Eric Argus is a washout. His prodigious early work clouded his reputation and strained his sanity. But an old friend gives him another chance, an opportunity to step back into the light.

With three months to produce new research, Eric replicates the paradoxical double-slit experiment to see for himself the mysterious dual nature of light and matter. A simple but unprecedented inference blooms into a staggering discovery about human consciousness and the structure of the universe.

His findings are celebrated and condemned in equal measure, but no one can predict where the truth will lead. And as Eric seeks to understand the unfolding revelations, he must evade shadowy pursuers who believe he knows entirely too much already.

©2015 Ted Kosmatka (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Better start than finish

I was very intrigued at the start of this book and it held my attention and interest until just over halfway. The science was a bit difficult for me to follow, but not unreasonably so, and I very much liked the forays into philosophy (and religion). As the story progressed it become a more standard tale and one that, for me, lost its uniqueness.

Mostly good

I loved the premise of the story but the science was over my head and the author never explained in simpler terms. It would've have been better if he had explained it to us non physicists.

Found myself NOT wanting to hit the stop button.

This novel kept me very interested, enough to not want to hit the pause or stop button.

Very intriguing concept

The double-slit, wave collapse thing is tough going for me. I kept listening anyway, despite some frustration at making sense out of all the elements of this story. One silly part though -among the many worker bee folk who cannot collapse the wave there are no scientists. Aren't they special? As a non-scientist, I am offended. In fact I am so offended I am going to listen to this darn book again, just for its mind bending qualities. The writing is good. The narrator does sound a bit mature for the part, but he's good at what he does.

Felt like I missed something

I liked the word-smithing by the author. However, more than once I felt like I was reading the second book in a series. He used many ambiguous references. "Who are you?" "That depends." or, "How long have I been out?" "Long enough." There was a lot of action in the book that did not move the story along. I was impatient to get through it.

The narrator sounded like Jack Webb. I think he even referenced Dragnet once. His voice sounded a little lifeless. Even a little hopeless. Like a sad story that he didn't want to discuss. Not sure I'll pick up another one by Kosmatka.

Very compelling

Very original storyline. It will definitely keep your attention. And I loved that it centered on science.

Interesting, conceptually intriguing

I liked this book. I liked the performance as well. The story line was not predictable which I liked.

Enthralling

Mesmerizing novel that is well fit for the amateur quantum mechanics buff. I enjoyed it very much.

Very compelling!

I doubt this is the first book that takes the mind bending properties of quantum physics and marries them with a "what if" fictional exploration but I highly recommend this one as a compelling addition to the genre. The payoff is well worth investing time and attention to follow along as the author's complex plot points and concepts unfold.

The novel does start out slow-when we are first introduced to Eric he is in despair and on the verge of suicide. Hang in there though until you are introduced to his discovery and the quantum concepts surrounding it. I took off one star from the overall rating, both for the slow start and also for some scenes not directly related to the plot that go too long (one example is what happens when Eric climbs into a industrial pipe to escape one of the bad guys).

Bonus points for the narrator. His voice reminds me of Zachary Quinto. It is deep and smooth and very easy on the ear.

Be prepared to listen intently

this was a good book lot of little things you don't want to miss. I'm not a scientist and I was able to follow and understand. the different way of looking at reality. Thanks for such a good story