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Mr g: A Novel about the Creation Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
With echoes of Calvino, Rushdie, and Saramago, this is a stunningly imaginative work that celebrates the tragic and joyous nature of existence on the grandest possible scale.
“As I remember, I had just woken up from a nap when I decided to create the universe.” So begins Alan Lightman’s playful and profound new novel, Mr. g, the story of Creation as narrated by God. Bored with living in the shimmering Void with his bickering Uncle Deva and Aunt Penelope, Mr. g creates time, space, and matter - then moves on to stars, planets, consciousness, and finally intelligent beings with moral dilemmas.
But even the best-laid plans can go awry, and Mr. g discovers that with his creation of space and time come unforeseen consequences - especially in the form of the mysterious Belhor, a clever and devious rival. An intellectual equal to Mr. g, Belhor delights in provocation: he demands an explanation for the inexplicable, requests that intelligent creatures not be subject to rational laws, and maintains the necessity of evil. As Mr. g watches his favorite universe grow into maturity, he begins to understand how the act of creation can change the Creator himself.
- Listening Length4 hours and 52 minutes
- Audible release dateJanuary 24, 2012
- LanguageEnglish
- ASINB00714Q1YM
- VersionUnabridged
- Program TypeAudiobook
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Product details
Listening Length | 4 hours and 52 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Alan Lightman |
Narrator | Ray Porter |
Whispersync for Voice | Ready |
Audible.com Release Date | January 24, 2012 |
Publisher | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B00714Q1YM |
Best Sellers Rank | #184,626 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #142 in Cosmology (Audible Books & Originals) #930 in Cosmology (Books) #1,437 in Psychological Fiction (Audible Books & Originals) |
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They describe it as a delightful, entertaining read with an elegant writing style that is witty and clever. The storytelling blends science, philosophy, and theology in a fun way that entertains readers.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book thought-provoking. They appreciate the concept and engage with the perspective from a quantum theist's perspective on creation. The book uses real science to construct its universe, which is wonderful. It's a clever conceit and the author pulls some interesting insights on existence and creation.
"...Mr. g: A Novel About the Creation is a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration of the origin of the universe, told from the unique perspective..." Read more
"...Glorious and delicious. The physics and philosophy all blend in, leaving just as many questions as answers, and a sense of acceptance that there's..." Read more
"...heavy. The story is based on theory, does not discount other ideas or religious beliefs and would be interesting to read by all but the ultra-..." Read more
"...fine-tuning of the fundamental constants, and riffs on the nature of consciousness. A beautiful book." Read more
Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining. They find it witty and humorous, with passages that become favorites.
"...intersections of science, philosophy, and storytelling, Mr. g is a rewarding read...." Read more
"...This book is not a heavyweight, but rather a delightful and fanciful tale of the creation and evolution of humans, with more than a touch of wry..." Read more
"I found Mr. g to be so entertaining and so funny in spots, and so reverently irreverent...." Read more
"...not discount other ideas or religious beliefs and would be interesting to read by all but the ultra-conservative." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it elegant, witty, clever, and whimsical. The prose is intelligent and the author's musings are enjoyable. Overall, readers describe the book as an engaging read with an imaginative writing style.
"...equations or overwhelming scientific jargon, but it conveys the beauty of the physical laws and the randomness that shapes the universe...." Read more
"...tale of the creation and evolution of humans, with more than a touch of wry humor to make the story enjoyable." Read more
"...I reveled in the creative writing and descriptions of the energy whizzing about. Glorious and delicious...." Read more
"...A beautiful book." Read more
Customers enjoy the storytelling style. They find the tale fanciful, interesting, and entertaining. The narrative blends science, philosophy, and theology in a way that is fun and light-hearted. Readers appreciate the clear presentation of physics in a narrative format.
"...Lightman’s narrative blends science, philosophy, and theology in a way that is both whimsical and deeply profound...." Read more
"...This book is not a heavyweight, but rather a delightful and fanciful tale of the creation and evolution of humans, with more than a touch of wry..." Read more
"An interesting and light-hearted story about the creation of our universe written by a physicist and based on current theories of its existence...." Read more
"...in physics and spiritual longing, Mr g posits a fantastical story of creation and life that sweeps the reader into considering both in an..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024Alan Lightman’s Mr. g: A Novel About the Creation is a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration of the origin of the universe, told from the unique perspective of Mr. g—a being who, out of curiosity, decides to create time, space, and all that inhabits them. Lightman’s narrative blends science, philosophy, and theology in a way that is both whimsical and deeply profound.
What sets Mr. g apart from other creation stories is Lightman’s ability to seamlessly merge scientific concepts with poetic and philosophical reflections. Mr. g is a creator who is not omnipotent or all-knowing, but rather a curious, almost human-like figure navigating the consequences of his creation. The novel doesn’t delve into complex equations or overwhelming scientific jargon, but it conveys the beauty of the physical laws and the randomness that shapes the universe. Lightman uses his background as both a physicist and a writer to explore themes of time, entropy, free will, and the moral dimensions of creation.
One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the relationship between Mr. g and his aunt and uncle, who provide comic relief but also represent deeper philosophical ideas about existence, morality, and the nature of power. The antagonist, Belhor, introduces tension as he challenges Mr. g’s creation, raising questions about suffering, imperfection, and the inherent nature of the cosmos.
Lightman’s prose is elegant, with a sense of lightness that complements the weighty themes. The book is not a traditional novel with a plot-heavy narrative, but rather a meditative exploration of creation, existence, and the role of the creator. This may not appeal to every reader, especially those seeking action or dramatic tension, but for those intrigued by the intersections of science, philosophy, and storytelling, Mr. g is a rewarding read.
In summary, Mr. g is a unique and philosophical novel that offers a fresh take on creation mythology. It combines a poetic appreciation for science with profound reflections on existence, making it a book for those who enjoy pondering the universe’s mysteries.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024"Mr. g" is an interesting fictional tale that involves a god figure that creates the universe. In the background are the creator's aunt and uncle who are constantly engaged in galactic squabbles. The aunt pretty much runs the show with Mr. g attempting to unsuccessfully referee the domestic arguments between his aunt and uncle. Lightman is artful in this almost sci-fi tale of the creation of the universe, never resisting the opportunity of showing off his physics chops. This book is not a heavyweight, but rather a delightful and fanciful tale of the creation and evolution of humans, with more than a touch of wry humor to make the story enjoyable.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2012Alan Lightman presents his version of the creation tale and works with you to unfold it like a cat's cradle in his book "Mr g". The central character of this alluring little book wakes after a long rest in the Void and simply decides to make things. He is accompanied by his rumpled Aunt Penelope, who from the start warns him to leave well enough alone and his sympathetic Uncle Deva who is his main (and only) supporter.
Lightman offers enough math and science for the reader to understand how "Mr g" accomplishes his goals but never so much that you give up in frustration. If you're able to watch a PBS Nova episode you will be able to appreciate this book. We see the "invention" of time, space and music all pop into existence. We follow as a multiplicity of universes are set into motion and filled with "gyrating cosmoses thrashing with energy." We also see that some of the basic laws used to control these objects don't necessarily work at first but in subsequent versions "Mr g" sees his creations as "Good" and he likes them.
Mr. g decides to allocate most of his energies on one universe he has named Aalam-104729 - our own. As the newly developed Time passes, "Energy begat matter which begat energy which begat matter. It was a spectacle to behold." Live evolves, sometimes intelligent life, and "Mr g" is faced with the problematic concepts of evil and suffering.
The derisive Belhor is the other character in this book and is the obvious representation of "you know who". He taunts "Mr g" with logic and perceived reason but it's obvious his real goal is to stir the pot and cause a little chaos. I find it interesting that in this book the dialogue between "Mr g" and Belhor is punctuated with the normal quotation marks but between "Mr g" and his Aunt and Uncle they are missing. There must be a level of deep meaning here but I won't even attempt to struggle with that one or go into it.
Lightman is a theoretical physicist and the story has sound basis for his interpretation of the construct of our universe. He presents these abstract notions in a way that laymen can visualize - almost hear and touch. After his novel "Einstein's Dreams", which has had a cult following since its publication in 1992, many people may have preconceived notions of what this book will offer. I can only say that if you love imaginative tales and are secure enough in your religious fundamentals to accept science as part of our basic inception this is the book for you. If you are open to a bit (actually quite a lot) of anthropomorphizing the creator - you will be delighted with this tale that answers the age old question: "where did we come from daddy?"
- Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2013I found Mr. g to be so entertaining and so funny in spots, and so reverently irreverent. I think Alan Lightman says he is not a believer in God like what I would say I am, so I read it with the eyes of a believer, and I was enchanted and entranced and enticed. I loved the frequent references to the music; I loved Aunt P and Uncle Deva as very human dwellers of the void. I reveled in the creative writing and descriptions of the energy whizzing about. Glorious and delicious. The physics and philosophy all blend in, leaving just as many questions as answers, and a sense of acceptance that there's just too much mystery, but certainly a whole lot of compassion. Great book. Loved it.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024I was disappointed in this novel. It did not capture my attention and I found myself bored after a few pages. But I pressed on and still the book did not meet my expectations. If you are a science nerd/junkie who enjoys science-made-creative then this book may be for you. I thought it was just dry and silly.
Top reviews from other countries
- Christine BorsukReviewed in Canada on December 3, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Perspective
Thoroughly enjoyable. (Though in my opinion the book is done something of a disservice by being subtitled "A Novel About the Creation". It doesn't read like a novel, but rather as a fable / > L <i>fabula</i>: story, tale; play /: so, "Mr g: A Fable". )
Respectful of mystery---both macrocosmic (astronomical / cosmic) and microcosmic (human soul); the page describing the music is simply...'divine', in itself worth the cost of the book.
-
Fiver111Reviewed in Germany on October 24, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Toll geschrieben!
Vorab: Man muss sich darauf einlassen. Ebenso wie auf Filme wie beispielsweise "Life of Pi". Lässt man sich darauf ein, wird man verzaubert. Lässt man sich nicht darauf ein, wird man nicht sehen, nicht zwischen den Zeilen lesen können, nicht verstehen. Dieses Buch gehört in dieselbe Kategorie. Ich habe es bereits zum dritten Mal gelesen und ich bin mir sicher in ein paar Jahren folgt Nummer vier. Ich mag es sehr. Und ich mag es, wie der Autor Wissenschaft mit Glauben verbunden hat. Und das sage ich, die ich nicht an Gott glaube. Aber diese Darstellung wie alles entstanden ist könnte ich glauben. ;-)
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Nicolas LardenoisReviewed in France on August 17, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent !!
C'est un excellent livre, avec de très bonnes références scientifiques et beaucoup de réflexion et d'humour.
Il se lit assez facilement en langue anglaise et je le recommande sans hésitation.
- EJSReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Well-written, thought-provoking, humorous, whimsical, even enlightening
A highly original, entertaining and enlightening book. A biography of a (non-religion-specific) godlike figure as he creates the universe and lets it grow. The devil-like character is particularly compellingly drawn, and is a wonderfully subtle evocation of evil (and a nice take on traditional explanations for how evil could co-exist with a god who is both caring and all-powerful). Lots of surprisingly beautiful, almost poetical, writing. Quite a few references to physics (as befits the author's primary profession), but not so much or so complicated that it would scare off a non-scientific reader who is otherwise interested in philosophy etc. Well worth a read.
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chsbaReviewed in Germany on June 7, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Schöpfung naturwissenschaftlich
Mr. G ist allwissend - oder besser gesagt, allwahrnehmend, und lebt mit Tante und Onkel im großen Nichts. Aus großer Langeweile heraus schafft er Universen und fängt an zu experimentieren. Und auf einmal gibt es im großen Nichts erst Zeit, dann Entfernung, und unerwarteterweise neue Bewohner. Als dann zufällig ein Universum herausgegriffen wird, dem ein paar quantenbezogene Grundprinzipien gegeben werden, beginnt sich im ausgewählten Universum etwas zu entwickeln.
Alan Lightman schafft es in seiner Geschichte, eine Brücke zwischen der biblischen Schöpfungsgeschichte und den naturwissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen zur Entwicklung des Universums und des Lebens zu schlagen. Dabei geht Lightmann teilweise sehr ins Detail, an anderen Stellen muss er dann natürlich auch in größeren Schritten seinen Geschichte entwickeln.
Mir hat die Idee hinter der Geschichte gut gefallen, auch die sich entwickelnden Dialoge in Bezug auf Schöpfung und das gut/böse-Problem hatten ihren Reiz. Andererseits ist es auch kein Text, der einen beim Lesen so richtig mitreißt, dazu passierte mir außerhalb des Universums zu wenig (und mir ist bis zum Ende nicht klar geworden, warum das große Nichts nun ausgerechnet neben Mr. G. von dessen Onkel und Tante bewohnt wurde Freiheit des Autors).
Um Gefallen an diesem Text zu finden, sollte man meiner Meinung nach schon Interesse an eher philosophischen Fragestellungen und Interesse an Naturwissenschaften haben.