More Than Human

By: Theodore Sturgeon

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

In this genre-bending novel, among the first to have launched sci fi into literature, a group of remarkable social outcasts band together for survival and discover that their combined powers render them superhuman.

There's Lone, the simpleton who can hear other people's thoughts; Janie, who moves things without touching them; and the teleporting twins, who can travel ten feet or ten miles. There's Baby, who invented an antigravity engine while still in the cradle, and Gerry, who has everything it takes to run the world except for a conscience. Separately, they are talented freaks.

Together, they may represent the next step in evolution - or the final chapter in the history of the human race. As they struggle to find whether they are meant to help humanity or destroy it, Sturgeon explores questions of power and morality, individuality and belonging.

©1981 The Theodore Sturgeon Literary Trust (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the best science fiction novels of the year." ( New York Times)
"A quantum leap in the development of science fiction as an art." ( Washington Post)
"A masterpiece of provocative storytelling." ( New York Herald Tribune)

More Than Human

Considered by many to be the best of Sturgeon's opus. Decades ago, when I first read this I imagined the voice of Harlan Ellison reading the second part "Baby is Three". And Stefan Rudnicki is outstanding as well. Thanks audible. Can you get Godbody by Theodore Sturgeon?

Just a classic

I read it 40 years ago and it's still brilliant. Hopefully I'll read it again in another 40 years.

Captivating.

Loved it. First SciFi book I've read that features telepathy but also my favorite. I can't wait to read the author's other books.

So great I want to listen to it a third time.

I normally listen to books while doing other tasks. There’s so much packed in the story, I had to listen to it twice. I look forward to listening to a third time. Excellent performances, as well.

It was ok....

I gotta say I was kinda confused with this story...seemed like it took a long time to get into the meat and answer some questions...bunch of kids all with a differant "gift" individually that when placed together are super smart....the end sort of tied things together.

Excellent!

Has to be one of the best books I've read of all time, insightful, intelligent ,funny, exciting ,mysterious ,heart rending and uplifting .

Dated but still beautiful.

The theme and aspirations of the characters are identifiable to the period in which this was written. How fitting to have Harlan Ellison in for part of the narration. Too sad that the current “ME” generation doesn’t really care about these values today. Unless there is an apocalypse and humans have to start again from scratch, I doubt there will ever be another generation with the innocence this book reflects.

A really fascinating book

I loved the way this book was written and the narration (by both readers) was excellent. Very thought provoking and well-paced, though I am guessing that some will find the pacing too slow and the book too long for the story it is telling. But the plot is only a very small part of what makes this book good - the writing style and character development, and the gradual way that facts are revealed to the reader, all added to my enjoyment. I'm back on Audible right now looking for my next Sturgeon book.

Promising but very convoluted for a simple plot

Good narration. It is a simple plot that took a very long unnecessarily windy road to reach. I felt the destination wasn't worth the journey.

More than human

I really enjoyed this moving, thought provoking book. Made me think about consciousness in a different way.