Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Creature from Beyond Infinity
- Author: Henry Kuttner
- Narrator: Mark Nelson
- Length: 05:32:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2011
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
- ISBN13: SABLIBX978523
As I listened to Mark Nelson’s narration of Henry Kuttner’s ‘Creature from Beyond Infinity’ while driving through the red-rock canyons of Utah last month, I was struck by how perfectly the alien landscape mirrored the story’s otherworldly themes. The way the setting sun painted the sandstone cliffs in hues of orange and violet created an uncanny parallel to Kuttner’s vivid descriptions of a dying alien world and our own threatened Earth.
This LibriVox production offers a fascinating audio time capsule of Golden Age science fiction. Kuttner’s 1930s/40s-era tale of an extraterrestrial seeking refuge on a plague-ridden Earth unfolds with all the pulpy charm and philosophical depth that made this period so foundational for the genre. The story’s dual narrative – following both the desperate alien colonist and the human scientist racing against time – creates a compelling tension that Nelson’s narration captures beautifully.
What surprised me most was how contemporary the themes felt despite the story’s age. The questions of xenophobia versus understanding, the ethical dilemmas of colonization, and the responsibility of scientists in times of crisis all resonated deeply as I listened. It reminded me of evenings spent with a family in rural Guatemala, where discussions about how communities respond to outsiders often revealed similar tensions between fear and compassion.
Nelson’s narration deserves special praise. His performance captures that perfect balance between dramatic pulp sensibility and nuanced character work that the story demands. The way he differentiates between the alien’s perspective (filled with cosmic loneliness) and the human characters’ more grounded concerns creates an effective audio landscape. There’s a particular scene where the scientist first encounters the plague’s effects that gave me chills – Nelson’s delivery transformed what could have been melodrama into genuine pathos.
The audiobook’s production values reflect its LibriVox origins – while professionally read, there are occasional inconsistencies in audio quality that might bother some listeners. However, these minor technical limitations are more than compensated for by Nelson’s committed performance and the sheer value of accessing this classic story for free.
Comparing it to other works of the era, ‘Creature from Beyond Infinity’ shares DNA with Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds’ in its exploration of planetary vulnerability, but with more psychological depth given to its alien visitor. Kuttner’s background as a frequent collaborator with his wife C.L. Moore shows in the story’s emotional intelligence – this isn’t just a tale of invasion, but of mutual survival and the potential for connection across unimaginable divides.
For modern listeners, the story’s pacing might feel deliberate compared to contemporary sci-fi, but there’s beauty in its thoughtful unfolding. The plague narrative particularly resonates in our post-pandemic world, though Kuttner approaches it more as a metaphor for existential threats than medical realism. What surprised me was how the story’s final act subverts expectations – without spoiling anything, the resolution offers more philosophical complexity than many stories from this period.
If you’re new to Golden Age sci-fi, this makes an excellent entry point. And for longtime fans, it’s a wonderful opportunity to revisit Kuttner’s underappreciated genius. The audiobook’s free availability through LibriVox makes it perfect for long drives or quiet evenings when you want to be transported to another world while reflecting on our own.
Until our next literary adventure across the stars,
Marcus Rivera
