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  • 2001

  • A Space Odyssey: Space Odyssey, Book 1
  • By: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,075 ratings)
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2001 cover art

2001

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Summary

It has been 40 years since the publication of this classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.

This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

©1968 Polaris Productions, Inc.; 1968 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2000 Brilliance Audio

What listeners say about 2001

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    2,032
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
    40
  • 1 Stars
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Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,779
  • 4 Stars
    599
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent... but why no 2010 on Audible yet?

Superb story, I have been patiently waiting for 2010, book 2 in the series to be available on Audible, but we can only get books 1,3 & 4 which seems a bit of a shame? I have seen both the movies and really would like to hear the story and complete the series.. please :)

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43 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent audio version but....

Please release 2010. I don't want to listen to the other two books before I hear the second book

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32 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it, but where's the sequel?

Perfect audio version, loved it, but how come 2010 (the sequel) isn't available on Audible? Books 3 and 4 are! Really would love to listen to it, but I guess I'm going to have to resort to a dead tree version as it isn't even available on Google Play or Kindle :(

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29 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow. Just wow.

I had always thought 2001 was a load of rubbish. That was based on being dragged along to see a special showing of it in the cinema as part of a media studies a level. I don't think many 17 year olds would get a lot from the film to be honest.

I always spend ages looking for my next read of listen and as a confirmed sci-fi nut I'm finding at nearly 40 years of age that my tastes are refining. I honestly can't remember what caused me to try 2001 about 3 weeks ago but I'm really pleased I did. For me it's shot to number 1 sci-fi book without doubt. I would urge anyone planning on seeing the film to read the book first. It'll make much more sense.

The performance was brilliant and there are passages which are strangely prophetic considering the book is nearly 50 years old. I don't want to spoil the story but the concept is brilliant and the story just gets better and better. I'll be looking forward to seeing the film again now!

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25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

"My God, it's full of stars"

Anyone even remotely interested in science-fiction, or science-fact for that matter, will love this book.

I first saw the movie during the 1970's, when I was still a young child, and a spark of imagination was ignited. This spark is now a raging inferno that will never be extinguished. Given my age at the time, I was left with gaps, unanswered questions. Years later, these gaps remained, even after seeing the movie again, and the sequel (2010: The Year We Make Contact). This was until I decided to buy the full set of 4 books. After that, these gaps were filled-in, and the questions answered.

Having now listened to the audio book version of this novel, these answers are much more apparent, almost blatently obvious, mainly because you have the opportunity to focus on details when it's read for you.

You are taken on a highly-visual (and detailed) exploration of one of many possible beginnings of mankind, and the Universe, a tour of our own Solar System, and beyond, stretching your imagination further than you thought possible. This is the only restraining factor.....your own imagination.

This is a true 'classic', it really does make you think.....\"What if......\"

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Doesn't hold up well

Having never seen the film or read the book, I was keen to see what made this story special. Unfortunately I was left disappointed. Whilst there are some sections with genuine suspense and tension, for the most part I actually found this audiobook somewhat boring.

I suspect that I was just a little too late to the party with this one.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The original and best

This is a classic and way out ahead of the film. the whole plot is more apparent and works really well. Whether you've seen the film or not this is a must!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Epic in scale, long and satisfying

The description is rich without being irrelevant, the characters and plot hold you tightly with the full G-force of Clarke's story-telling ability. The introduction by the author is an added bonus. Dick Hill performs rather than merely reads the novel, bringing the atmosphere (or lack of it) lucidly to life. A must-have for all Sci-Fi and movie fans.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

like a boring dream

I expected to love this but it was like being forced to listen to someone's VERY long and boring dream

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Don't bother wasting your money

Very robotic and mechanical sounding voice. Totally ruined any pleasure from listening to what should be, a fabulous story.

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3 people found this helpful