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The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

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The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

By: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: B. J. Harrison
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Summary

The earth's surface is no longer habitable. All humanity is sequestered beneath the ground, couched in isolation and contentment. The Machine provides the needs of humanity. Mankind becomes subservient drones to the life-supporting Machine. But what happens when the Machine stops?

Public Domain (P)2018 B.J. Harrison Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Science Fiction Fiction Short Story
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Strange how almost acurate this tale is. Well worth a listen,. Thought provoking allegory for modern times

Makes you think

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I heard about this book for the first time on a radio programme about AI, recently. It is intriguing and an enjoyable listen, short enough to finish in one sitting on a sunny day in the garden.
unbelievable that it was written a century ago, but still relevant.

Timeless and thought provoking

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Written in 1909, the technology and ‘progress’ depicted by Forster is alarmingly close to our recent reality especially when considering the way Covid19 lockdowns had us living and the division and alienation it had caused through much of society. It is a concisely put together story which leads to a contemplation over what else he may have written here that is yet to come to light.
The narration of B. J. Harrison was spot on for me. Dynamic without feeling over egged.

Worryingly prophetic

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Fantastic allegory of life today! Amazingly prescient . Read at school for GCE so that tells you how long ago it was!

So relevant even more today

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The turn of the 20th century has produced some of the most intriguing sci-fi books, and this is certainly one of them. I would have loved it to last longer...

Brilliant and terrifying

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