Masterpiece

I have read so many books. So many. That such a book evaded me all these years is a great pleasure.

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14 people found this helpful

Amazing story. Respect for the mind behind this.

What a great story. amazed at the scale. when I thought I understood the direction it surprised me again.
astounded that this was written over 60 years ago and apart from a few tell tale signs (camera .. ), this could have been written today
what an amazing mind Arthur C Clarke has. Big respect.

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7 people found this helpful

Amazing ...

For saying this book was written at almost the beginning of science fiction it is a ultimately a chilling tail. It provides a new insight into one scenario , taking use thought c. 100 years ... And leaves so many open questions ...

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7 people found this helpful

Arthur Clark Childhoods End

Clark as ever the master story creator
A well presented tail which I really enjoyed

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Out of this world...

Childhoods end so full of smart ideas, each new reveal is a pleasure. Having read the physical book 23 years ago, returning to it again while driving or commuting is an absolute pleasure.

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Wonderful story

Brilliantly structured and conceived story. Incredible to think that this was written in the early 1950s.

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Classic sci-fi concept

As per usual with Arthur C. Clark, I found myself drawn more to the concepts than I did to the characters or the telling of the narrative. Childhood's End, fittingly, circles some of Clark's usual themes, like human nature, man's place in the universe, and the loss of proverbial innocence. I enjoyed the story well enough - Clark is a legend for a reason, even if I found some of the lead-ups a little long winded.
Greg Wagland is a competent reader, but he really is just that - a reader, and not much of a voice actor. I would have liked a little more variety in his voicing, intonation, and emotional conveyence.

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Interesting unusual concept

Story :
Interesting ideas but the rythm and timeline prevented me from feeling invested in the characters and plot elements.

The main character and focus switches often and many plot points are introduced early and then dropped until the resolution comes late and underwhelming.

In general the book seems very « concept oriented » and not character focused. There is also an important mystical aspect to the story which I personally highly disliked.

It makes for an interesting and unusual take on sci-fi however not my favorite.

Performer :
As the book is mainly focused on concepts, there isn’t much character complexity and emotion for the performer to convey. However although he did a good job, I would have enjoyed more contrast between scenes depending on importance and emotions.

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Way beyond the standard powers of the universe.

Very imaginative. I Loved it. Had me thinking beyond omniscient omnipotent beings. An engaging story.

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2 people found this helpful

Goes on the okay pile

A slightly odd story that I felt never really got going. It just trundled along at its own memory pace, without really grabbing my interest at any point. I must be missing something though as the reviews are quite good for this book.

The orator was quite good though.

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1 person found this helpful