Solar

By: Ian McEwan

Narrated by: Roger Allam, Ian McEwan

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Universally acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest novelists, Ian McEwan is a Booker Prize-winning, best-selling literary master. He displays a fresh facet of his considerable talent in Solar, a satirical novel rife with blistering humor.

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Michael Beard is fast approaching 60, a mere shell of the academic titan he once was. While his fifth marriage falls apart, Michael suddenly finds himself with an unexpected opportunity to reinvigorate his career and possibly save humankind from the growing threat of global warming.

This audio includes an exclusive interview with the author.

©2010 Ian McEwan (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A comedy every bit as brilliant as its title might suggest....Blazing with imaginative and intellectual energy, Solar is a stellar performance." ( Sunday Times, London)

“A stunningly accomplished work, possibly [McEwan’s] best yet.” ( Financial Times)

The Funniest Intelligent Read Since THHG

Would you listen to Solar again? Why?

I will definitely listen to Solar again. The protagonist is so brilliantly written, that while I'd hate him in real life, I can still sympathize with him.

What other book might you compare Solar to and why?

The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy comes instantly to mind, since it's funny and you don't feel like an idiot when you close it on the last page.

Which character – as performed by Roger Allam and Ian McEwan – was your favorite?

Beard

If you could take any character from Solar out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I'd take Beard out-sounds like a fun drinking companion.

Very entertaining

Great character, interesting science and humorous as well. I have like all of his books

McEwan's masterful prose an illuminating sizzler

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
In USA? College degrees required to enjoy this read, hedge fund managers and those of an entrepreneurial bent should find revealing. Anyone booking academic lecture series, this is required reading. No, really. In UK? Everyone. Even footballer's wives (whllst getting nails done). Salman Rusdie probably sleeps with it under his pillow.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Patrice, now that I think of it, her of the red-lipped, scented Friday night departures. "Why" would be giving too much away. And McEwan wrote a memorable and alarmingly accurate Darlene, brief yet ripe and potent. Oh, rats. I have to say the Professor. He's so ... words fail. I really do refuse to "reveal" the plot as the reveal in this particular book is all. Fascinated, compelling, horrorfied, while laughing so hard my bike almost hurled off road.

Have you listened to any of Roger Allam and Ian McEwan ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No. Mr Allam and his mellow tones are new to me and gosh, I thought for the longest time the narrator was Michael Gambon! Dead ringer! Brilliant narration; spot on. My fellow 'murricans may be lost ("euw, he had this weird accent,,,") but the UK crowd will lap his narration up like double cream on rhubarb crumble. And quite right, too.

Who was the most memorable character of Solar and why?
Well, the Professor proves memorable in his ability to live a 100% selfish life unadulturated by concern, care, interest or compassion for either a single living being once they have served whatever purpose he has momentarily brought them into his life, or, our strife-ridden planet. The spotlight (I hesitate to say 'sunlight') is all on the Professor, so, shuddering slightly, I submit that he wins by default.

Any additional comments?
Not for the faint of literary heart nor anyone whose lips move whilst reading Danielle Steel. Yet for anyone who marvels at the intricacies and imaginative miracles wrought by masterful Ian McEwan's astonishing and witty pen. Er, keyboard. Descriptions, travels, narrations, observations, speeches, dialogue .... it's all there, the vast wealth of the English language in every single line and this delightful writer assists me to see it anew.

Not My Favorite, But Funny!

Very funny, but the guy is so hateful, you can't even pity him. My favorite is still "Saturday." This book is for serious fans, and I'm one.

Worth my time...

Though not quite as splendid as Atonement or On Chesil Beach I much appreciated the author's humor in drawing the character of Michael Beard. The story was followed by an excellent interview with McEwan which told much about his writing process and enhanced my appreciation after having read the book. I will most certainly read more of McEwan's works! Roger alum's reading playeda large part of my enjoyment

Masterful writing performed by terrific reader

If you could sum up Solar in three words, what would they be?

Scientist cuts corners to get his way, personally and professionally

What other book might you compare Solar to and why?

none

Which character – as performed by Roger Allam and Ian McEwan – was your favorite?

protagonist

Any additional comments?

Combines best of British literature with an equally good reading

Stunning

This is the best book I have ever read. Unbelievable. Not saying anymore-- don't want to let slip any spoilers. You should buy it today and listen to the entire thing as a whole. Absolutely stunning.

Absolutely hilarious

I don't know the last time I doubled over laughing while listening to a book. The main character is an utterly despicable anti-hero who just stumbles from one hilarious, self-inflicted disaster to another. I noticed there are a lot of negative reviews, and I was trying to figure out why. If you are easily bored by physics, or not familiar with the academic/scientific/tech world, it may not be for you. That's the only thing I can think of, because I really thought it was one of the best things I've read/heard this year.

Listen to the author interview at the end

For insights into the story and character choices. Enjoyed the satire and humor surrounding the despicable anti-hero.

Sad not so funny

While I enjoyed reading this book I found the situations of many characters to be sad. Perhaps I have known people with these issues so more real than satire