"Don't cry, darling, I'll buy you another."

An easy to read story which encompasses far more than the basic premise: the discovery of a way to increase the human lifespan to two hundred or many more years. Although the prospect of extra time for the individual might be engaging, there are ramifications: social, political, religious and media intervention plus feminist and gender issues and fears of overpopulation (especially given the publication of the book set in the mid 1900s, little really changes). Narrator Vanessa Kirby was excellent. Her voice has an attractive to the ear timbre with good timing and intonation, and her clear English pronunciation carried the text thoughtfully. A fine performance.

For some reason, despite having avidly devoured science fiction for over six decades including Wyndham's other books, this was my first reading of Trouble with Lichen and, after a slightly shaky beginning, I loved it. Still fresh and thought provokingly relevant, I recommend this story to all, not just the SF fans.

2 people found this helpful

My favourite Wyndham novel.

Great narration, her Diana is perfect.
Sharp , thought provoking satire. This could have been written yesterday sadly. The themes in the book are just as relevant today as they were in 1960.

1 person found this helpful

Good to hear again

A good Si-fi story on an unusual theme. I first read this many years ago

1 person found this helpful

Lichen this very much (sorry)

This book deserves to be better known. The central concept of the discovery of a ‘cure for aging’ is explored from social and political angles by the discoverers of the cure.

Yes it is dated, but Wyndham tells a good story and it is refreshing to have a strong female character at the heart of it. When I first read it the ‘twist’ was very enjoyable.

Vanessa Kirby is an excellent choice of reader and has a voice I could listen to all day long. She brings the story to life with an almost dreamlike mellifluous quality.

Recommended

1 person found this helpful

Old fashioned

There is no getting away that this book from 1957 is rather old fashioned sci-fi, with an old fashioned look at the roles of women in society. If you can get past that than this is a thoughtful look at how life changing discovered could effect society.

Narration was good.

1 person found this helpful

The story that’s lost none of its power

Since I first read the story in the mid 1970s I’ve often been drawn back to it. Insightful and intelligent it’s lost in all of its power over the years. A ripping yarn that may yet come to pass.

1 person found this helpful

Classic Wyndham

John Wyndham was writing more than half a century ago. This is a book where women are the stronger sex, but not quite. The imaginative plot was a groundbreaker. The reading is very good and a must read for those that want to read older and exceptional science fiction.

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Absolutely excellent!

A deep debate, through the protagonists' viewpoints, on scientific responsibility. Very, very good. Great reading by Vanessa Kirby too!

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Fantastic stuff

Loved this, absolutely gripped by it. Great performance and fascinating story. Thought provoking and brought a tear to my eye at times too, felt especially remarkable given its original publication in 1960. I'd already enjoyed reading The Day of the Triffids and The Chrysalids, but will now need to devour all of Wyndham's work!

A great story by John Wyndham.

This is a great story about life extending Lichen that's been discovered by accident superbly narrated by Vanessa Kirby. The only problem is chapter's inside chapters, when she says chapter 15 it's actually chapter 16 in the menu how hard is it to do the chapter's correctly. Audible do this time after time.