Smothered a great idea in magical thinking

The story and the world building were excellent as was the central idea of being resurrected on an endless river. However, rather than a search for answers (who built the world, why did they build it, why is it populated with people from different countries and times?) the book spends far too much time with religion and the meaning of resurrection. The central characters work out pretty quickly what is happening but keep falling back on religious dogma for enlightenment. This is really annoying and for me distracted from the almost “boy’s own adventures” of the action and the central mystery! The physics is fantastic enough without needing any metaphysics. Modern readers may also find the level of misogyny uncomfortable.
The “River world” is a wonderful construct and reminded me of Ringworld or Rama. At one point I was hoping that this world was a Dyson Sphere but sadly not.
I will probably at some point read the rest of the books in this series but I’m not rushing into a decision.

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Fantastic, there's nothing else quite like it

If you've never enjoyed this series you're missing out. hope the next ones come soon

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2 people found this helpful

One of my favourite books!

I've listen to this numerous times good narration excellent book. Can we have the sequels please!

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6 people found this helpful

absolutely fantastic

Can't recommend this enough, such a gripping story and brilliant narration. listen to this book....and get the sequels on here!!!

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3 people found this helpful

Didn't really grip me this one

I had heard that this was a crazy but great book. I was ultimately disappointed. Random people from history, demonstrating all the bad traits of their original history, dying and coming back over & over. I found it too repetitive, without ever getting to the source of what is going on.
Won't be reading on in the series.

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missing the rest of the riverworld series

the story of riverworld is one of my favourite sci-fi works. having read all the books this audio book was enjoyable. it is a shame the remaining 4 books in the tale are not available on audible.

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14 people found this helpful

Excellent storyline

I first read this about 40 years ago and this audio recording brought all those memories back.
An excellent story and narrated superbly.

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I adore this story for many reasons

What did you like most about To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Riverworld Saga, Book 1?

I love the story itself, it's a great idea, ahead of its time. Engaging and unusual.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is simple to begin with, people wake and are somewhere they don't expect, all people, any one who has died. But the story then looks at the human state, how we behave, good and evil and the spirit of adventure and ultimately our desire to know and to learn.

I can't listen to this enough - I'm really sad the rest of the saga is not available. (Just get the books and read them, it's worth it

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

Yes. I could listen to this book on repeat!

Any additional comments?

Please try and get the rest of the saga!

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3 people found this helpful

Excellent storyline

I love the idea of this happening. It’s a creative story with well fleshed out characters. Can we please have the rest of the series?

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Seriously, all SF fans should try this.

What made the experience of listening to To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Riverworld Saga, Book 1 the most enjoyable?

I've loved this book for many years - it is one of my very favourites and always makes me think.. "what would I do if I was there... oh... I am there, wonder what I AM doing?" :) It is one of those books that delivers a premise so unusual and profound that it will stick with you.

What other book might you compare To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Riverworld Saga, Book 1 to, and why?

I have always thought that (the somehow often overlooked) author Edmund Cooper wrote several books that remind me of Scattered Bodies - particularly 'Seahorse in the sky', but also 'Transit' and the magnificent 'Overman Culture'.
Obviously, Farmer's sequel, 'The Fabulous Riverboat' is a must read after this one and 'The Dark Design' (although I remember being less engaged with that one.
Other Farmer books might shock the reader expecting more of 'Scattered' but I particularly liked 'Strange Relations' - for the strong reader, Flesh and Blown are fascinating...

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Tricky, I love the initial scene of resurrection; but the ones that probably stick in the memory most are the 'awakening in the chamber', the 'giganthropes at the head of the river' and 'the dreamgum episode'.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Gwen dying, Goring's dreams.

Any additional comments?

I greatly enjoyed the 'voice' - well done. Next one please - Riverboat. BTW - there was a film made of the book but it is not great :(

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7 people found this helpful