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The Inverted World cover art

The Inverted World

By: Christopher Priest
Narrated by: Steven Cree
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Summary

A uniquely powerful novel of a society in decay. On a planet whose very nature is a mystery a massive decrepit city is pulled along a massive railway track, laying the line down before it as it progresses into the wilderness.

The society within toils under an oppressive regime, its structures always on the point of collapse, the lives of its individuals lived in misery. No one knows where they are going, why they are going or what they will find when they get there. The ending of the novel provides one of the most profound twists in SF.

©2012 Christopher Priest (P)2012 Audible Ltd

What listeners say about The Inverted World

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Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Love this book - always have

I read this book when I was a child and it has always stayed one of my favourite science fiction stories. OK, so the physics, engineering and biology are complete bobbins and thoroughly inconsistent - BUT- it takes a bit of thought to come to that conclusion (personally I think the author painted himself into a corner with an idea and couldn't work out how to fix it - hence the twist(s) - I would so love to fix it :) . However, the main drive of the book is the sociology and the 'closed society' / secrecy / coming of age / revelation by discovery and conflict theme - and this is just excellent. The reading voice is superb too, I wasn't quite sure that his accent would work, but it does and I'm very pleased with this rendition of a personal favourite. One really really irritating issue: Audible, PLEASE don't put introductions to books that give away major plot points. In this case you are told things in the intro that you REALLY shouldn't know - they don't destroy the plot, but they do take away some of the pleasure of discovering things WITH the main character(s). SKIP THE INTRO and come back to it - Adam Roberts (intro writer) - you should know better, would you like it if the twists in your books were given away?

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9 people found this helpful

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

I'm a fan, so am prepared to forgive!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this title with caveats! There is so much to love here, the world is incredibly well-realised and the writing extraordinary, as you would expect from the man who wrote The Glamour and The Prestige. But, I would advise caution, you won't get a perfectly wrapped up ending that satisfies, none of his books do that really, it's best to accept at the beginning, you're along for the journey, and it's a wonderful and extraordinary journey.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing and the world-building. It's a terribly claustrophobic society and I felt myself as frustrated as the people who populate it.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the revelation!

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1 person found this helpful

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

Wow

Brilliant and amazing and excellent. must read...well must listen. great narration and a great story. I need to read it again right now

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1 person found this helpful

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

Curiouser and curiouser

A great story that kept me intrigued from the get go. The technical descriptions helped to create a very believable world, although this did cause a lull in attention. The characters are well fleshed out and are always interesting. A good listen, great narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting concepts

I loved The Prestige by CP and have waited for this one to come on Audible. It is a peculiar and very original story that has been praised for capturing the essence of what Science Fiction should be about. I found the slow progress of the city on wheels interesting and really wanted to know why the world within the book was as it was, forcing me to listen with rapt curiosity and when the denouement came, I was satisfied.



The opening phrase "I had reached the age of six hundred and fifty miles" has been described as "one of the most famous in science fiction" (Critic Paul Kincaid, Wiki) and to me it beautifully and succinctly captures the terrible situation of the ensuing story in just a few words.



Very interesting and enjoyable SF listen. Well read.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Does Reality Shape Us, or Do We Shape Reality? Exploring the Paradox of 'Inverted World

Inverted World" by Christopher Priest is a masterpiece of science fiction that transcends the genre with its innovative narrative, profound themes, and mesmerizing world-building. Narrated with captivating intensity, the audiobook version brings to life the unique and surreal journey of a city on rails, moving across a distorted landscape in pursuit of an elusive optimum. The narrator masterfully conveys the intrigue, tension, and philosophical depth of Priest's work, making it an immersive and thought-provoking listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of speculative fiction or new to the genre, "Inverted World" is a must-listen, offering a story that stays with you long after the final word. A resounding five stars for this unforgettable auditory journey that perfectly encapsulates the essence of science fiction.

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

interesting story

I liked the story, the narrator was great, but I was disappointed by the ending. The story dragged a little in the third part, but otherwise it was good.

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

Abrupt conclusion

A very compelling and original story that moves at a good pace, however the conclusion felt rushed. The parts switch between first person and third person which I don't feel was a good idea.

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

interesting, though a little laboured

an intriguing hypothesis, very original, though story seemed to drag a little. Nice clear diction by tbe narrator.

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

Intriquing concept ruined by final third

What did you like best about The Inverted World? What did you like least?

The story opens and continues with an intriguing and fascinating take on a culture, but is let down by the authors need to try and find some sort of twist ending.

The reading is good, and the narrators scottish accent works surprisingly well. Would happily try some of his other narrations.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?


The twist is unsatisfactory, unnecessary, and rather betrays the rest of the book, making the reader feel they've wasted their time with the preceeding 2/3rds of the book. It is almost like a second author took over the story and decided to scrap the concept.

Having looked at some of Christopher Priests other books, it seems he is rather too hooked on the concept of an unreliable narrator, and in this case its to the books detriment.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Not knowing the ending, no.

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