Book description
In the audiobook rendition of R.W.W. Greene's debut, The Light Years (Angry Robot Books, 2020), the narrative arc is conveyed with an immediacy that underscores the novel's thematic gravitas. Greene, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, employs a meticulously structured plot in which the protagonist, Hisako Saski, is thrust into a socially prescribed arrangement-an arranged marriage to Adem Sadiq, a maintenance engineer aboard the Hajj. This arrangement is presented as a transaction: Hisako's educational and socioeconomic advancement is contingent upon her submission to a matrimonial contract, thereby foregrounding the tension between individual agency and societal obligation.
The temporal setting of the story, a thousand years prior to the current arcane branch of physics, is explicitly delineated, creating a temporal dissonance that is exploited to frame the novel's speculative elements. The discovery of a derelict warship aboard the Hajj serves as a narrative fulcrum, catalyzing a revelation that the ancient vessel harbors knowledge pertinent to faster-than-light propulsion. It is thereby suggested that the survival of humanity's post-Earth diaspora is intrinsically linked to these latent technologies.
Narratively, Greene's prose is characterized by a precise diction that favors an objective tone, thereby allowing the reader-or in this case, the listener-to engage with the plot without overt emotive manipulation. The voice employed in the audiobook is consistently formal, with a measured cadence that reflects the seriousness of the subject matter. The use of passive construction throughout the narration serves to shift focus from the speaker to the events themselves, thereby reinforcing the impersonal atmosphere that pervades the story.
Thematically, the novel interrogates the concept of determinism versus self-determination. Hisako's initial reluctance to relinquish her familiar life is juxtaposed against the imperative to secure a future for Earth's survivors. The narrative arc demonstrates that the solution to humanity's plight is not merely technological but also sociocultural, as evidenced by the necessity of cooperation between disparate characters aboard the Hajj.
Critically, the audiobook format enhances the immersion of the listener, as the narration's pacing aligns with the suspenseful unfolding of the derelict warship's secrets. The auditory experience is amplified by the inclusion of subtle ambient soundscapes that evoke the claustrophobic environment of the sub-light freighter. This production choice is consistent with contemporary audiobook standards, wherein sound design plays a pivotal role in narrative delivery.
In summation, The Light Years is presented as a compelling fusion of speculative science, sociopolitical commentary, and character-driven drama. Greene's inaugural work is thereby situated within the broader canon of contemporary science fiction, offering a nuanced examination of humanity's reliance on both technological advancement and communal resilience. The audiobook delivers this complex narrative with a polished delivery that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating, rendering it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
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HOV
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience