The Last Question

Good story, but a disappointing purchase

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Fans of synth music.

Has The Last Question turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, not at all.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jim Gallant’s performances?

I wouldn't rule anything out based strictly on his participation.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Last Question?

None of the scenes, just the music.

Any additional comments?

The background music didn't bother me so much, but I thought I was buying an hour-long story. The story actually ended around the thirty-minute mark and was then followed by half an hour more of just music. The music wasn't even something I'd want to listen to on its own.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great story, weird format

Story, sound effects, and narrator were all on point. As usual, as sci-fi stories approach the actual date they're set in, the technology in them begins to feel more and more dated. For a story published in the 50s though, he had some pretty amazing ideas.

Just be mindful of the fact that the book ends at about 50-60%. The rest is a bonus soundtrack, so you're actually not getting a full hour of book. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind so you're not disappointed when the book ends 'early.'

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I prefer to be read to

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would change the performance from one of live theater with multiple actors and music to the format that Audible has always been so great for: Getting a truly talented voice actor to read the story using different intontation, accents, etc for character dialogue. I don't come to Audible for radio dramas. I come to hear a great story read to me.

Any additional comments?

This is one my favourite short stories of all time. The explanation of entropy as it relates to the universe and our own beginnings has always made this a great read.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Too much sound effects.

This is an absolutely fascinating story but the amount of music/sound effects is extremely distracting. I would not recommend this narrator.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Good short story for Sci-Fi enthusiasts.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Question to be better than the print version?

Yes. The performance makes the story, and makes the ending really powerful. The length of the story itself makes this perfect for a a commute between cities.

Which scene was your favorite?

Chapter 1, and the last chapter.

Any additional comments?

My only criticism is the over use of the stereotypical sci-fi music. Mainly at the beginning and end of the chapters. Other than that it is perfect.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome Story, but not actually an hour

What made the experience of listening to The Last Question the most enjoyable?

I really wonder if Asimov was an atheist or a deeply religious scientist using writing to explore god & religion. His stories like this one make me think he's very much one way or the other.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Question?

Really the last line is well built up to and rather perfect.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Well, it was short, only about 35min

Any additional comments?

This book isn't an hour & eight minutes, it's really just about 35 min.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Asimov's timelessness

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

It is true science fiction and drama based upon musings about spirituality.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The father was my favorite.

Which character ??? as performed by Jim Gallant ??? was your favorite?

The father

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It conveys both hope and hopelessness.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Huge disappointment

While the story was obviously written in the "golden era," it retains its charms. The narration, effects, and orchestration of this production are distracting, obnoxious, and unnecessary. Don't bother purchasing.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

to much music "fill"

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book is really a short story. There is way too much "fill" in an attempt to make it a dark mystery.

Would you ever listen to anything by Isaac Asimov again?

Sure. Asimov is the Dean of Sci-Fi and most of his work is great, and I love it. Just not this book.

What three words best describe Jim Gallant’s voice?

strong, interesting, valuable

Was The Last Question worth the listening time?

No.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Very short and profound

Half the length is soundtrack. Asimov's original composition is as good as you would expect from someone of his stature.