2312

By: Kim Stanley Robinson

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 19 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 2312. Scientific and technological advances have opened gateways to an extraordinary future. Earth is no longer humanity's only home; new habitats have been created throughout the solar system on moons, planets, and in between. But in this year, 2312, a sequence of events will force humanity to confront its past, its present, and its future.

The first event takes place on Mercury, on the city of Terminator, itself a miracle of engineering on an unprecedented scale. It is an unexpected death, but one that might have been foreseen. For Swan Er Hong, it is an event that will change her life. Swan was once a woman who designed worlds. Now she will be led into a plot to destroy them.

©2012 Kim Stanley Robinson (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Science Fiction Concepts

Superb author. Excellent writing style. Story was all encompassing which at times caused me some confusion. As for the story I never really got it. As for the sci-fi content I was enthralled. Great book but will not read again.

A Modern Sci-Fi Masterpiece

I am in no way affiliated with the writer, publisher, ad agency or Audible.com. I am just an average Joe with a 15 year love affair of good audio books.
I downloaded 2312 on a whim because it happened to be highlighted on the front page of the site and I was in a hurry to get a new book for my commute home.
Robinson's depiction of this detailed, fictional world follows in the footsteps of the great science fiction authors such as Asimov and Clarke. The fabricated details of this future are not only technically feasible, but also rich in their creative overlay of the story. The emotional interaction of the characters is contemporary and easily draws in the reader.
The narrator's performance is pristine and almost feels like you are listening to a documentary about this nonexistent new universe.
I am so glad that I took a chance on this book. It has inspired me to cut a much wider swath in my book choices in the future. A+

audible book

struggled to finish . maybe because I needed my dictionary thru out. Not a book I could have read. glad I got the audible.

Invigorating book, average narration

Robinson's heady, intellectual, hard science fiction view of the future is captivating and thought provoking. The narration grew on me (the character's voices are subtle changes, but noticeable), but odd mispronunciations occur throughout--not often, but enough times to make one wonder. Regardless, an extremely enjoyable way to experience an excellent novel.

Vivid World but a bit of a bore

2312 is a tale of two books. On one hand KSR does what he always does on these types of things, he paints a vivid picture of what the future could be like so wonderful that you can almost feel the cold of space on the back of your neck. The world he has created draws from the Mars trilogy but stands alone with new and interesting places.

On the other hand this book is boring to the point where if I was actually reading it rather than listening to the audio book I might not finish it. This might also have something to do with it as the narrator’s voice was so calm even the parts which are supposed to be edgy didn’t feel like it. For about half the book I don’t know what the issue is. Should I like swan or not? Was Alex murdered? Is that even the crux of the story? It takes a while for the plot to pan out.

If I could rate this 2.5 stars (right down the middle) I would but since I can’t it gets 3. The world created does enough to make this a worthwhile read as long as you know what you’re getting into.

give it a chance

I love Robinson's work, but had avoided this one for a while because of the poor reviews of the narration. I didn't find Sarah Zimmermans narration to be bad at all. the book is wonderful, and like much of KSR, less about a grand sci fi narrative and more of a collection of thoughtful musings by interesting people experiencing a fantastic world. what other science fiction writer would spend so much time rhapsodizing about classical music and land art?

Brilliant scientific concepts

This was a fantastic listen. The concepts and storyline were great, but I felt as though the book concluded a bit too abruptly. I was left wanting more, instead of feeling satisfied. I absolutely love how KSR includes snippets of all his books in the world he paints. Listening to this brought me back to the Mars Trilogy, and the profound effect it had on me. Overall great.

Great!

I’ve had a hard time finding a satisfying science fiction novel. They sound too unlikely and too irrelevant. This novel is wonderful, almost poetry. It reminds me of Moby Dick in its grandeur and poetic elements, and simple and rich plot used to paint a picture of space. Will I re-read it one day? Maybe the sea of space will call again!

Lots of Great KSR details but story is lacking

What made the experience of listening to 2312 the most enjoyable?

The details about life in the post accelerando solar system are super interesting.

If you’ve listened to books by Kim Stanley Robinson before, how does this one compare?

It's more wandering and less cohesive. The story line is kind of rambling and doesn't really coalesce until near the end.

Which character – as performed by Sarah Zimmerman – was your favorite?

I like Swan but she's kind of frustrating. I don't admire her. All the other characters sort of blended together for me.

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

No, I had to take breaks from it. I actually still haven't finished it. I've got like an hour left.

Any additional comments?

The mars trilogy was awesome. I loved it, which is why I gave this a chance. But I just couldn't get psyched about it. *shrug*

some good things seem together

the story had some good ideas. however, I felt like I was reading a bunch of short stories about each of the characters attached to each other.