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- Title: Dark Matter (Movie Tie-In): A Novel
- Author: Blake Crouch
- Narrator: Jon Lindstrom
- Length: 10:09:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 26/07/2016
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about the open road – or an open mind – that makes you crave a good story. It reminds me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest place on Earth, listening to “One Hundred Years of Solitude” on audiobook. The surreal landscape blurred into Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, and the narrator’s voice felt like a companion weaving tales by a campfire under the stars. That memory flickered back to me as I sank into “Dark Matter (Movie Tie-In): A Novel” by Blake Crouch, narrated by Jon Lindstrom – a speculative thriller that’s less about deserts and more about the infinite terrains of identity, choice, and what it means to be home.
From the first moment, “Dark Matter” grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Jason Dessen, an ordinary physics professor, is living a quiet life with his wife and son in Chicago until a kidnapper’s question – ‘Are you happy with your life?’ – sends him tumbling into a reality where everything he knows is gone. His wife isn’t his wife. His son was never born. And he’s no longer a modest teacher but a celebrated genius who’s unlocked the impossible: a way to navigate the multiverse. The story unfolds like a winding path through a dense jungle – each twist revealing a new layer of Jason’s desperation to reclaim the life he loves, or at least understand which life is truly his. Crouch’s premise is a mind-bending what-if: What if every choice you didn’t make spun out into a parallel world? It’s science fiction with a beating, human heart.
For me, this audiobook hit close to home. Years ago, I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, where their grandmother spun tales every evening under a flickering lantern. Her voice carried the weight of history, pausing just long enough to let the silence pull you deeper. Jon Lindstrom’s narration in “Dark Matter” captures that same intimate magic. His tone is warm yet urgent, shifting effortlessly from Jason’s quiet introspection to the pulse-pounding panic of a man hunted across dimensions. You can almost feel the cold metal of the gurney he wakes up on, taste the bitter uncertainty in his throat as he questions what’s real. Lindstrom’s pacing is a masterclass – he knows when to linger on a moment of dread or accelerate through a chase, making the 10-hour listening experience fly by like a late-night road trip.
The themes here are rich and personal. As someone who’s spent years chasing stories across continents, I’ve often wondered about the paths not taken. In Brazil, I once stood at a crossroads – literally – deciding between a safe teaching gig or a wild leap into travel writing. I chose the leap, but “Dark Matter” made me imagine the Marcus who didn’t. Crouch explores this through Jason’s journey: the tension between ambition and contentment, the ache of loving a family that might only exist in memory. It’s a sci-fi thriller, sure, but it’s also a meditation on regret and resilience – perfect for anyone who’s ever questioned their own ‘what ifs.’
The audiobook experience shines thanks to Lindstrom’s performance. His voice brings out the emotional stakes – Jason’s love for his wife Daniela and son Charlie feels tangible, raw. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, letting you sink fully into the multiverse Crouch builds. There’s a scene where Jason navigates a series of alternate Chicagos – some frozen, some burning – and Lindstrom’s subtle shifts in tone paint each world vividly. You can hear the exhaustion in his voice as hope fades, then surges back. It’s the kind of narration that turns a good book into a great listen.
That said, “Dark Matter” isn’t flawless. The science fiction elements – like the tech behind the multiverse – sometimes lean on convenient leaps rather than hard logic, which might irk purists. And while the pacing is relentless, a few late twists feel more like plot devices than organic turns. Still, these are minor stumbles in a journey that’s otherwise gripping. The emotional core holds strong, and Lindstrom’s narration smooths over any rough edges with a humanity that keeps you hooked.
If you’ve listened to “Recursion” or “Upgrade” by Crouch, you’ll recognize his knack for blending high-concept sci-fi with relatable stakes – though “Dark Matter” stands out for its intimacy. It’s less sprawling than “Wayward Pines”, more focused on one man’s odyssey. Fans of “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig might find a kindred spirit here, though Crouch trades philosophical musings for visceral thrills. This audiobook is a must for science fiction lovers, but it’s also for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of a life unlived.
I’d recommend this to road trippers, dreamers, or anyone who craves a story that’s equal parts adventure and soul-searching. It’s perfect for a long drive – like that stretch through the Atacama – or a quiet night when you want to lose yourself in another world, or a dozen. And here’s the kicker: you can find this audiobook free through some platforms, which feels like stumbling on a hidden gem in a dusty market stall. Check Audiobooks.com for a sample or a free download – it’s worth every minute.
Listening to “Dark Matter” left me reflecting on my own crossroads. It’s a story that lingers, like the echo of a grandmother’s tale or the hum of tires on a desert highway. It’s about the lives we live, the ones we don’t, and the lengths we’d go to hold onto what matters. For me, it was a reminder of why I chase stories: to feel the weight of being human, in all its messy, marvelous dimensions.
Until the next tale, safe travels and happy listening,
Marcus Rivera
