Babylon Babies

By: Maurice G. Dantec

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 19 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Toorop, a hard-boiled leatherneck veteran, has been hired to escort a young woman from Russia to Canada. But Marie is no ordinary girl. A schizophrenic and a possible carrier of a new artificial virus, Marie is bearing a mutant embryo created by an American cult, which dreams of producing a genetically modified messiah that will end all human life as we know it. Now, Toorop will risk his life to save Marie, as her brain, linking to the neuromatrix, surpasses all limits to become the universe itself.

Combining metaphysics with cyberpunk post-humanism in the spirit of Philip K. Dick., Babylon Babies rides Nietzsche's prophecy: "Man is something to be overcome."

Translated by Noura Wedell.

©1999 Editions Gallimard (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Explosive and paranoid, this futuristic fable by French sci-fi novelist Dantec explores the frightening ramifications of genetic experimentation....Riddled with acronyms and pop culture allusions, this is an intense, intellectually labyrinthine ride." ( Publishers Weekly)

don't waste your credits

Has some interesting ideas. The story was a bit choppy. The language and the graphic nature of the book was a bit much for me.
I wish it had been reviewed by other audible members before I downloaded it. I didn't even bother to finish it, even after slogging through the garbage. I kept hoping that there would be some interesting twist. There isn't.

Tried listening twice, but couldn't finish it.

Even though the graphic novel approach of extremely detailing some of the scenes was extraordinarily well written and enjoyable, the rest of the book wasn't. The story felt subpar, it had too much filler content and was dull in general. Too many unrealistic, poorly thought through, made-up futuristic cyberpunk gadget descriptions, too much jumping between the main story-line and the psychotic episode fillers which didn't seem to have direct connection with the main story. Tried listening to it twice. Failed both times. Once finished at around chapter 10, the last time at the chapter 30. Not worth your time, save the credit.

Disregard below reviews. It won't hurt ... much.

What did you love best about Babylon Babies?

I felt compelled to write this review after I saw the below literally begging readers to avert their eyes. There is no disagreement here that the writing is choppy and the plot erratic but the combination of narration and collected ideas are worth your time. If you enjoy the frenetic globe and bleeding edge theme skipping of Gibson's work and the better stuff of Paolo Baccaglupia (sic?) you'll find more than enough to take with you from this maniac. The narrator also does a more than commendable job with the various voices/ accents to enrich the experience. Red pill or blue pill? Take both and get on with it.

It’s ok

Story is good, kinda drags. I tried reading the book years ago but thought it was me. After listening to it I realize it’s the writer.

I should have listened to the other review...

I have never bothered to write a review but felt it was necessary this time. While the concept was good either the translation or the original material was horrendously written.

Please Please Please do not waste your time or money on this book, even if your so bored you would listen to an audio version of the Encyclopedia Britannica, trust me you would be better of with the encyclopedia.

I really hope it was a case of "Something was lost in the translation."

while I don't mean for this to sound bitter and hateful that is how it is turning out so I'll stop now.

good book

very good story. It seemed to drag on in spots, but overall a good book.