Flashforward

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A scientific experiment begins, and as the button is pressed, the unexpected occurs: everyone in the world goes to sleep for a few moments while everyone's consciousness is catapulted more than 20 years into the future. At the end of those moments, when the world reawakens, all human life is transformed by foreknowledge.

©1999 Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This first-rate, philosophical journey, a terrific example of idea-driven SF, should have wide appeal." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great Story

I truly enjoyed this book! I read it, because I had seen a rather abortive attempt at a TV serial version of this, several years ago. as in most cases, the book was far, far better!

The book proceeds at a good Pace, but near the end I came to bog down in the metaphysics and physics, and I finished up, hoping that the ending would be much more philosophical, and perhaps even romantic, than the way it did end. But overall, I recommend it!

Exciting science fiction

This was a good combination of science fiction, suspense and action. Narrator did a good job of creating dramatic tension as the story progresses

Good, but different than TV series

I liked it, but it was not at all like the TV series and won't answer any lingering questions. It does deal with a flash forward event, but describes it with plausible physics and science :)

Food for thought

While the theme of the book did make me think, the characters were not interesting and the story overall was depressing making it difficult to enjoy listening to. At times I found myself wanting to Fast Forward Flashforward.

real Science fiction

This is not Sci-Fi, this is Science fiction at it's best. I have not seen the t.v. series, but the book makes me want to watch. The miles past by so quick as I listened to this book. I usually like to listen to NPR in the morning and then listen to a book, but I kept finding reasons to leave NPR and listen to this book. The science is not over your head and RS keeps your interest all the way. It is not a time travel book, it is a glimpse into the future and the results that causes and there are some very interesting causes. RS is the Asimov of our age.

Weak and full of holes

Only 52 minutes left and I'm finding it hard to finish. I went through The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (57 hours) in less than a week but this 10 1/2 hour book just doesn't do it.

What took me so long?

What made the experience of listening to Flashforward the most enjoyable?

This is a great Scify book, nothing like the short lived series on television! Easy to follow and great ending. I would listen to it again!

What did you like best about this story?

The physics

Fabulous book, disappointing ending.

Sawyer writes wonderful books, and this is one of them. Unfortunately, he has a habit of writing completely over-the-top endings, and this is one of them.

It's a decent listen.

mini spoiler
Didn't like the characters nor the yellow fever. The flash forward idea was clever. I enjoyed how that led to people connecting over shared visions.

Very cool idea.

I really enjoyed this book. The narration was good especially because he didn't try to do an overly feminine voice when the females spoke. As far as the plot goes, it was a unique approach. The physics lingo can be a bit much sometimes. However I do think much of it is necessary and adds to the reality within the story. If you enjoy sci-fi then I think this is a good listen. The characters aren't overly interesting but as far as physicists go I would imagine they are rockstars.