The Sleeper Awakes

(4 Sterne)

A LibriVox Listener

Never having read this book, I realise now how influential the story has been. Of course Woody Allen's 'Sleeper' is based closely on H.G. Wells' 1889 work, but it has clearly influenced other works, from Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty Four' to 'The Matrix', and even 'The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', not to mention 'Brave New World' In terms of predicting the future, Wells gets many things wrong of course, but it's quite extraordinary how many things he gets right. And yes, it's a bit racist. Well, a lot racist. Sexist too of course. But most books of that time in England were. (Sherlock Holmes was a terrible old racist too of course.) Still, well worth reading. It's actually a gripping read, ...a ripping yarn, from start to finish. As to the readings and the recordings, they are generally very good. Just one chapter is so badly recorded that it is hard to understand, and that recording really should have been rejected, for which I dropped a star. It's also curious to my English ear that none of the American readers seem capable of pronouncing the name Graham, and various variations are employed. For the record, it's pronounced to rhyme with 'slay 'em'. "Slay 'em, Graham!"

Disappointing, to be honest...

(3 Sterne)

potuc

Expected better from H. G. Wells… but, let’s put the (decent) story aside and focus on the blatant racism! The police are all-black, and apparently consume a criminal’s flesh in one of the climactic scenes. The final part revolves around this man trying to destroy these all-black police. Additionally, a racial slur is employed once, with more mild slurs littering the story. That, my good sir, is clearly racist! Pretty well read early dystopia, however. Wasn’t expecting such a racist story, was really very shocked by the extent of that! Ahhhhhh well, the times...

Great story, readers mostly crap

(4 Sterne)

Byron Lee Scott

I've been listening to many audiobooks lately and have come to appreciate the advantage of a good reader. There were a few good ones in this conglomerate, but most were horrible. I kept a 5-band equalizer at the ready to dampen the obnoxious frequencies, sharp voices and horrendous recording qualities. As an American, I'm beginning to understand why the British are so appalled at the sloppy language skills of my country. And yet, I loved this story so much. I agree the ending leaves one wishing for a sequel.

Not a bad read

(2.5 Sterne)

Linden

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the overall story. Although it was over elaborate and repetitive in areas such as the numerical and currency values. This made some of the story tedious. There where other areas that could have used more development.

I loved it

(4.5 Sterne)

adam

I found this story enthralling and the concept and unfolding of the story fascinating. I've read enough hg wells to not expect much of an ending and therefore wasn't too disappointed. What a talent though! He was brilliant!

honestly? HONESTLY?

(2.5 Sterne)

me

This books is great, I spent every minute enjoying it. But when the ending came and went. I was like: "is that it? Honestly?"

couldn't listen, too many readers bad grammar and syntax made it crap for me most frustrating

(0.5 Sterne)

A LibriVox Listener

(0.5 Sterne)

A LibriVox Listener

Horrible audio at times and redundant themes and boring chapters with an abrupt ending