Cumberbatch does what he can

I'd never heard of the physicist Rovelli, but I have a layman's interest in the philosophical problems of science. In truth I bought this to hear more of the mellifluous tones of Benedict Cumberbatch. What a disappointment. Rovelli may be a fine physicist but he has almost no idea how to put his material across to the reasonably well-informed reader. The books swings between the much-repeated obvious (eg that there is no 'Now') and the bafflingly obscure. Rovelli never makes it clear where generally accepted theory stops and his own speculations start, and his attempts at the occasional 'purple patch' of prose and matey asides are just embarrassing. (Perhaps the translation is partly at fault?) Top marks to Cumberbatch who makes a terrific effort with this material, but I fear it's pretty obvious that at times he doesn't understand what he is reciting any more than this listener.

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Fascinating and thought provoking

I thought some of the concepts would get lost on me, however this was beautifully written and explained. Not to mention poetically conveyed by Benedict Cumberbatch (I want him to narrate all audio books!). I took a lot away from this work that will stay with me, can't wait to listen to it again. Just loved it!

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An all time great.

bought this as a gift for my boss so i can properly explain to him why asking "why aren't you at work right now?" is a question that makes no sense.

audio is a bit too quiet.

wow what a strong ending to a book about physics

Benedict Cumbabatch does an amazing performance reading this book and Carlo Rovelli has a extraudinary ability to explaine a topic as complex as time. I am ignorant of any other books about explaining what time is; that being said i cant imagine any better written source set out to demystify time and all of its aspects than this book. Anyone reading this book not knowing that there is an audio version performed by Benedict Cumberbatch is a sucker.

pretty ordinary

boring...too much philosophy...was waiting until the end for something really interesting...but nothing ...🙃 Benedict voice was probably the only good thing about this book ..

Worth it for Benadict's dulcet tones

Fascinating content that will make you reframe your thinking. I'm not sure I could have grasped the concepts as readily if not for Benadict's exemplary diction.

Dreamy reading, accessible and stimulating ideas

A very well pitched and paced journey thru questions of time. Extremely cultured in that European way.

A stimulating and accessible time!

I found 'The order of time' a fascinating, stimulating and accessible exploration into the physics and philosophy of time. I've already listened and re-listened to most chapters twice in an attempt to take on board most of the ideas Carlo Rovelli presents.

However, I'm sure there's so much more and this is one audio book that I'll return to again - regularly - for the pleasure of the narration and the depth of the ideas under discussion. A great exercise in mental stimulation and awareness. Really enjoyable!

Timely

Interesting, thought provoking and philosophical. An in depth analysis of time beyond what many may have ever thought before.
The narration by Benedict Cumberbatch was exquisitely matched and wonderfully presented.

Hard physics and flowery in equal measure

Highly memorable, though sometimes very meandering. Rovelli is unlike any other writer of physics. An extremely confronting exploration of physical reality and the human condition. The first two sections contain all the important and cosmos-shattering assertions about the emergence of time from stranger underlying structures. The last few chapters were too poetic for my liking. Benedict obviously enjoyed narrating this book.