Replay

By: Ken Grimwood

Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1988, 43-year-old Jeff Winston died of a heart attack. But then he awoke, and it was 1963; Jeff was 18 all over again, his memory of the next two decades intact. This time around, Jeff would gain all the power and wealth he never had before. This time around he'd know how to do it right. Until next time.

©1998 Ken Grimwood (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

World Fantasy Award, Best Novel, 1988

Wow. Just WOW!!!

I was hooked right from the beginning. I loved Flashforward by Sawyer--and this is like it in reverse--over and over. I loved King's 11 22 63--this compares on a much smaller level. Ken Grimwood has a new fan! Highly recommended.

Good start, but couldn't wait for it to end

I don't usually go for science fiction titles, but this one intrigued me, in part because it's been mentioned as a basis for the concept behind Groundhog Day. The story starts out strong, with the main character dying almost immediately and then finding himself reawakening 25 years in the past, in his 18-year-old body in his college dorm room. He then relives the next 25 years, only to die again at exactly the same time, on exactly the same day. This cycle repeats itself several times throughout the story, and the first few times through it's interesting to read how the character chooses to do different things with his new life each time, and how he reacts to the fact that he has another opportunity to start over.

After the first few times, it gets old. For the last third of the story, I kept checking the time I had left until the end, and was amazed as how much was still to come! By the last time through I was relieved that it was over.

Weird narration

The narrator really does not do a good job with female voices - makes them sound annoying and simpering. Also has awful pronunciation on certain words - Shasta, savannah, Poughkeepsie - like fingers on a chalkboard

Refreshingly different.

This is a great book with a new take on mystery. I very much enjoyed.

Great story overall--elite time travel novel

This became my favorite time travel novel. It is, while amazing for the genre, and more generally in sf/fantasy, it is also a great piece of literature in and of itself, regardless of classification. With some philosophy mixed in.

Couldn't stop

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Once I started listening to it, I couldn't stop. The whole time travel idea has always fascinated me. This audiobook answered some of the 'what ifs' we'd ask ourselves, if we traveled back in time. I highly recommend it. The narrator was decent.

A great story idea from an inexperienced author

Any additional comments?

This novel has a rich premise, and I kept wanting it to be a really good book.

In the hands of a great author, it could have become a classic novel about the human condition.

Unfortunately, the story is hampered by uneven character development, opaque character motivations, random plot jumps, and a lack of effective editing or an overall story arc. To me, it felt like the first novel from a promising author who has yet to hit his stride. It reminded me of Robert Heinlein's first novel: some interesting ideas from a writer who is still learning his craft, and hasn't yet figured out how to make his characters come alive.

Hopefully Mr. Grimwood will keep writing, and hopefully he can find a good editor the next time around.

Good story but ultimately an audio Chick Flick

Great performance by William Dufris. Overall the story was interesting with a very well thought out plot, however make no mistake this is a romance novel. Fair warning.

I Left a Review Last Time

Time travel done really, really well, completely plausible. The evolution of the characters is satisfying, as are stories of their pasts. Excellent narration.

Amazing.

Just finished Replay and... Wow.

Replay follows the wandering journey of a man who through inexplicable means is given the chance to live his life over and over again. The author, Ken Grimwood is a man who (no matter what age he wrote this book) is wise beyond his years. Replay offers much to reflect upon, especially if you like the protagonist of the book are in the middle of your life with many years, decisions, and roads not crossed behind you, and yet potentially with many more to come. This book is going on my highly recommended list.