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  • Crosstalk

  • By: Connie Willis
  • Narrated by: Mia Barron
  • Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (47 ratings)
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Crosstalk cover art

Crosstalk

By: Connie Willis
Narrated by: Mia Barron
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Summary

Part romantic comedy and part social satire, here one of science fiction's most lauded authors examines the consequences of having too much connectivity, and what happens in a world where, suddenly, nothing is private. One of science fiction's premiere humorists turns her eagle eye to the crushing societal implications of telepathy.

In a not-too-distant future, a simple outpatient procedure that has been promised to increase empathy between romantic partners has become all the rage. So when Briddey Flannigan's fiancé proposes that he and Briddey undergo the procedure, she is delighted! Only, the results aren't quite as expected. Instead of gaining an increased empathetic link with her fiancé, Briddey finds herself hearing the actual thoughts of one of the nerdiest techs in her office. And that's the least of her problems.

©2016 Connie Willis (P)2016 Recorded Books
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: Romance

Critic reviews

"An engaging and satirical look at relationships, technology, and connectivity in the digital age is expertly narrated by Mia Barron.... Barron does an outstanding job of distinguishing between the conversations in Briddey's head and those happening in real life as well as adding authenticity to each of the characters Briddey interacts with." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Crosstalk

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

It Is a Connie Willis

It is a Connie Willis, which is a hellovalot better than no Connie Willis. It ain't "Doomsday" or "To Say Nothing...", but it certainly addresses issue of our time.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sad choice in reader

I love this book. Despite it driving me crazy with sci-fi neuroscience and occasional paradoxes/things that just don't make sense when you think about them, I read this book twice and listened to it once within a week and a half. No spoilers, but I found the romance really engaging and fun. Willis' settings are vivid, and as always, all the little details are there if the reader wants to do some detective work to figure out what's happened before the main character gets there.

That said, I was really disappointed in the reader. I felt her interpretation of my favourite character was quite counter to his behaviour in the book - where he's meant to be kind, he sounds quite gruff. But more than anything, her tone lacked the excitement that propels Willis' books forward - that edge-of-the-seat feeling that kept me up until three AM when I first read it just wasn't there.

Buy the book instead! It's definitely a good read.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great fun, but a bit slow at times!

This isn't a super serious book - it feels girlish, lighthearted and silly at times. Its also FULL of miscommunication and drama that can get really drawn out. The main character feels like a bit of an airhead at various points, but she does have a lot going on so I GUESS I can forgive it.
I enjoyed it, I've read the physical book before and this made great before-bed listening. If you don't mind tropes and are looking for something fun then I would recommend.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Long winded

I enjoyed aspects of the story and the general idea of telepathy but the story dragged and was often repetitive. I constantantly found myself baffled by the characters choices and illogical thinking. It was this, rather than the Sci fi element, that made it so implausible.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely awful in every aspect

The Irish accent diabolical.

The story line repetitive and slow.

So mentally boringly numbing couldn’t get past the first hour and a half.

How on earth this book was recorded and passed its beyond me.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Overly long

This one dragged on a bit. Strange pronounciation of Bridie, unless it’s changed since I was at school.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not the best Connie Willis

I’ve really enjoyed the other Connie Willis books that I’ve read and love the conceit of this story, but am halfway through and finding it quite repetitive and slow. The protagonist is frustrating and I feel as if I’m just listening to the same conversation on repeat, seems like an overly padded shorter story. Still nicely written and I’d still always pick up another of her books.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

2.5

loved the whole idea, would have loved more sci-fi and a bit more of the romance at the end

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun romp

Not to be taken seriously- it’s a pleasant story full of familiar sci-fi and rom-com tropes. Good material for poolside or couch potato reading.

On the negative side, the Irish family were stereotypes. Irritating at times though the writing didn’t fall into the trap of racist cliches. I would have been happier if Mia Barron had been better at producing brogue and vernacular (e.g. chyleDEEN not Chill-deen). Her American-Irish accent was not good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

Love Connie Willis books and this was a very enjoyable listen. I have now purchased the paperback to read too. Interesting storyline as always. The narration grated a little at times but was generally ok.

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