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Anathem
- Narrated by: Oliver Wyman, Tavia Gilbert, William Dufris, Neal Stephenson
- Length: 32 hrs and 25 mins
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Anathem
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Publisher's Summary
Fraa Erasmus is a young avout living in the Concent of Saunt Edhar, a sanctuary for mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers, protected from the corrupting influences of the "Saecular" world by ancient stone, honored traditions, and complex rituals.
Over the centuries, cities, and governments have risen and fallen beyond the concent's walls. Three times during history's darkest epochs, bloody violence born of superstition and ignorance has invaded and devastated the cloistered mathic community. Yet always the avout have managed to adapt in the wake of catastrophe, becoming out of necessity more austere and less dependent on technology and material things. Erasmus, however, has no fear of the outside - the Extramuros - for the last of the terrible times was long, long ago.
Now, in celebration of the week-long, once-in-a-decade rite of Apert, the fras and suurs prepare to venture outside the concent's gates - opening them wide at the same time to welcome the curious "extras" in.
During his first Apert as a fra, Erasmus eagerly anticipates reconnecting with the landmarks and family he hasn't seen since he was "collected". But before the week is out, both the existence he abandoned and the one he embraced will stand poised on the perilous brink of cataclysmic change.
Powerful unforeseen forces threaten the peaceful stability of mathic life and the established ennui of the Extramuros - a threat that only an unsteady alliance of Saecular and avout can oppose - as, one by one, Raz's colleagues, teachers, and friends are all called forth from the safety of the concent in hopes of warding off global disaster.
Suddenly burdened with a worlds-shattering responsibility, Erasmus finds himself a major player in a drama that will determine the future of everything - as he sets out on an extraordinary odyssey that will carry him to the most dangerous, inhospitable corners of an unfamiliar planet...and far beyond.
What listeners say about Anathem
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kenny G
- 22-03-2018
Learn a new language...
I tried reading this in paperback and struggled to wrap my head around the words used by Stephenson. Having the narrator pronounce them mate it more enjoyable to sit back and be taken on the journey. having the author chime in with the start of chapter definitions from The Dictionary was a great touch. the performance of the narrator was great as I really enjoyed his reading of my NS favourite Cryptonomicon.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ellen L
- 13-07-2023
I’m a fan
I appreciate all the criticism but like most Stephenson novels it’s the journey that matters. Yes there’s lots of world building but if you let it take you over it’s a fascinating thought provoking ride. I’m biased I enjoy Stephenson’s methods.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 10-12-2023
My favourite book made even better
This is a sublime way to present an excellent story. Well read and gorgeously framed.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jm
- 14-04-2017
One of Neal's greats!!!
It's a great story!!!! Heavy and deep. The story is very well read - don't attempt if you're wanting a quick light story - but if you're wanting some thought provoking Neal - this is a great place to start
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Hannah
- 19-06-2016
Fascinating
What a fascinating world.. I found myself thinking about this book all the time and trying to explain it to people which was quite hard to do! Loved it
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M H
- 06-08-2017
Well worth the time investment
It takes a good while (5+hrs) to get into this book, both due to the challenge of picking up the new language and because in the initial chapters not a lot happens, but it evolves into a compelling tale.
It is well read and overall thoroughly enjoyable. I would recommend for those who enjoy Stephenson's other work, and those who have an interest in science and pondering some of the bigger questions about how the universe works.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tom
- 09-06-2017
Complex and fascinating world building
Any additional comments?
Initially feels reminiscent of the classic Canticle for Leibowitz, but becomes more nuanced and sophisticated with a deeper narrative. Wonderful complex world building engagingly revealed to the reader in a fashion that rewards patience. Especially enjoyed the neologisms.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- MR
- 13-04-2017
Made me think
I listened to sections of this over and over again to fully absorb the complexity of some of the concepts. I've discovered more than a single narrative from having done so.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Joshua
- 05-07-2019
Captivating
Engaging, inspiring and interesting. One of the best books I have listened to. I would certainly recommend to the curious and stimulated.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rebecca
- 15-11-2017
A truly wonderful story, well read.
This novel brings together concepts from maths, physics, politics and history, some extremely advanced and even speculative theory, and weaves them into a story that is not just technically amazing, but emotionally compelling.
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1 person found this helpful