Rendezvous with Rama

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Peter Ganim, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge, weighing more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system at inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft.

Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for mankind's first encounter with alien intelligence. It will kindle their wildest dreams...and fan their darkest fears. For no one knows who the Ramans are or why they have come. And now the moment of rendezvous awaits - just behind a Raman airlock door.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why Rendezvous with Rama will make the listener "feel both humbled and exhilarated at the same time".

©1973 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1974
Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1973
John W. Campbell Memorial Award, Best Novel, 1974

"A frighteningly logical, believable, and grimly prophetic tale...Clarke is a master." (Los Angeles Times)
"A first-rate tour de force." (The New York Times)

book 2?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes but id mention the second audio book isnt available

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rendezvous with Rama?

Figuring out the physics of the ship in my mind. and realizing i dont get to find out what happens in book 2

What about Peter Ganim and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) ’s performance did you like?

how simple and straight forward it is. no commercials or bs snuk in there.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The movie you get to make up your own ending to

Any additional comments?

I would buy the other books if they ever become available. $$$$

Great Story but the Narrator Makes in Difficult

This is one of those books I read decades ago and thought would be great to relive on audio. The narrator pretty much killed that idea. Did he really believe that an emotionless robot voice was the best idea for a science fiction book? I can't believe he takes that approach with other readings. I recommend the book. It's a true classic but you are much better off reading it than listening to this version.

Brilliant in every way, I enjoyed every word.

I hear Morgan Freeman is producing a movie for 2017. Seems more likely 2018 at this stage. Looking forward the movie it's a perfect story for one.

Terrible Narration but Good Sci-fi

I found this book to be well-plotted. I was always wanting to listen to more to hear what would happen next. There is so much mystery as to what Rama is and where it is intending to go and what exactly is inside it. The characters are classic vintage sci-fi in that they are badly developed, cliche, and hokey. But you can't really expect more than that out of this period. I did have a double-take moment with some comments on breasts in micro-gravity and multiple wives and thought - am I reading Heinlein? That said, otherwise it isn't painfully sexist (unlike Heinlein). Clark always does great with the science and that is present here. He plays a bit with some planet politics but it's baby version compared to something like Dune or Expanse. Still, it adds some depth. I definitely recommend this book!

The audiobook is terrible because the narrator reads so badly. Literally the worst I've heard. I set the speed to 1.35 to endure

Great story, lifeless performance

This is a fantastic story; it is well paced, detailed, and full of surprises.

That said the voice actor shows little life to the point of talking in a stilted fashion for narration. For a few characters he talks in what would pass as a normal human being.

A great story though but this is a slog due to the voice actor.

Very compelling and captivating story

I really like this type of sciFi when there is an element of possibility to it. It is more amazing given that it was written more than 40 years ago.A bit frustrating that nothing was altimately resolved but the mystery, search, and creativity was very compelling. I did think the narration was a bit flat but I think it did match the tone of the story

one of my favorite books.

As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the best sci-fi ever written. This is a great rendition of the book. I highly recommend to any sci-fi reader.

A classic that doesn't hold up over time.

I read this in high school, over 20 years ago, and it was above average then, although I remember enjoying Rama II better. I thought I'd listen to it again, and the story is now just okay. The narrator can do an okay Aussie accent, but other than that, he's not that good. He reads the non conversation parts in almost a clipped robotic voice. It's almost as if each word was recorded separately, and then strung together. After a while, it starts to grate on your nerves. The more you think about it, the more it bothers you, simply because you know there are many better narrators out there. Listen to the full preview before you buy. you may decide it's not for you.

Outstanding performance, outstanding book

There is only one problem with this audiobook: No sequel (yet)! The books are written, please record more in the same production.

C-3PO Could Narrate Sounding Less Robotic

Decent story about humans encountering an alien spaceship but the narration was really hard to get through. The robotic nature of the narrator took the most basic sentences, chewed them up, and made it sound like my computer was reading me the story. Glad I only paid $3 for this