An Audience for Einstein

by Mark Wakely

This edition is now out of print. Please find the new

Professor Percival Marlowe is a brilliant, elderly astrophysicist who's dying, his greatest achievement still unfinished and now beyond his diminished means. Doctor Carl Dorning, a neurosurgeon, finally discovers a secret method of transplanting memories from one person to another, thanks to Marlowe's millions. Miguel Sanchez, a homeless boy, agrees to become the recipient of Marlowe's knowledge and personality in this unorthodox experiment, enticed by Dorning's promises of intelligence, wealth and respect, but dangerously unaware that his own identity will be lost forever.What results is a seesaw battle for control of Miguel's body, as Marlowe learns to his dismay what his lifetime of arrogance and conceit has earned him. And when Marlowe stumbles upon the shocking procedure Dorning used in desperation to succeed, the professor does what he must to defeat Dorning and redeem himself at last.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Mark Wakely has held a lifelong interest in all things science-related, dating back to high school when he won the Bausch & Lomb science award in high school. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and is a college administrator at prestigious Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. He lives in a nearby town with his wife and three children, and is an avid reader and amateur astronomer.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An Audience for Einstein” is a beautifully crafted, genre-bending work of fiction. This young adult science fiction novel chronicles the lives of three people whose lives become connected, with each of them seeking to benefit from an unconventional experiment.

Doctor Carl Dorning, a neurosurgeon has discovered a way to supplant memories and thoughts in humans. He entices Professor Percival Marlowe, a renowned astrophysicist who is old and aware of his failing health, to fund his project. Miguel Sanchez, on the other hand, is a homeless boy, whose mother is in rehabilitation, leaving him in the hands of his abusive, extortionist father. Dorning cunningly lures Miguel into accepting to lose his identity, experiences, and memories after promising him money and fame. Soon after, it dawns on Marlowe that Dorning had kept some disturbing truths about the experiment from him. He had been so caught up with the idea of his life being remembered that he had not considered the moral ethics of the procedure. He must find a way to make things right, not just for him but also the young, vulnerable boy even if it means an end to his existence.

Author Wakely has explored a new-fangled way of writing that is both fascinating and interesting as well. His way of switching Miguel’s character to that of Professor Percival is creatively done, making this yarn all the more enjoyable. It is noticeable that the author had this tale in mind before writing the narrative. The plot is well-executed and draws the reader in from the very beginning.

I expected a lot of scientific jargon and a complex tale that would be very difficult to decipher but what I found when I started reading the chapters was mind-blowing. The vocabularies are well explained in the dialogues and one does not have to look them up. One of the things I liked about this book is how the author focuses the initial chapters on specific characters and events. This gives readers an idea of who they are and their role in the narrative. Further, it makes it easier to follow the plot and immerse oneself in it.

From the onset, Wakely’s prose is remarkably refined, inviting readers in on an inquisitive path of self-discovery. Indeed, one inescapably reflects on the concept of morality and ethics. This makes me heartily give the book 5 stars. I without a doubt recommend “An Audience for Einstein” by Mark Wakely to young and mature adults who are looking for a solid story with relatable characters. This plot should certainly be destined for the screens. Great job Author Wakely!

[Lisa Grønsund]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

RTC

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a fine line between scientific geniuses and mad scientists. Usually it is intent, but a villain is still the hero in their own story. Wakely focuses more on the ethical and philosophical terrains of a scientific pioneer rather than a characterization or a tale of malfeasance. Not quite as slick or heartwarming as Flowers of Algernon, but you do find yourself caught up in the story and continually questioning the motives of his unethical genius with righteous anger: just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.

Recommended for readers who enjoyed: Never Let Me Go, Elefant, Anyone

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the reading copy.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of old twilight zone movies and since I love old Twilight Zone movies/shows this book is awesome. The story is not really that far fetched as it seems scientists have reached some level of success (with the subject going insane) at least in animals. I love the premise and the story is well-written with believable characters. It's a great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jim Arrowood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

What immediately caught my attention was the cover art and the title. The blurb sealed the deal, and I downloaded it. I've since read An Audience for Einstein and was mesmerized from the first page. This is an incredible treatment of the old sci-fi trope of transferring memories from one being to another. It is young-adult sci-fi book I would say is appropriate for 7th grade readers and up. Don't be fooled by the designation young adult. Anyone who is just looking for a great story to enjoy will enjoy this one, no matter the age, or what genre you enjoy.

Percival Marlowe is a retired professor and Nobel laureate, dying from old age.

Dr. Carl Dorning is a former neurosurgeon turned researcher.

Miguel Sanchez is a street urchin who hangs out with older boys who spend their days on the streets panhandling for cash.

So, what do these three people have in common? Dr. Dorning's research is to prolong life by transferring one person's memories to others. He receives funding from Dr. Marlowe to continue his research and have his memories transferred to someone younger so he can continue his groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics. Thinking Miguel has no family or future, Dorning chooses Miguel to inherit not only Marlowe's property, but his memories as well.

Dorning delivers an amazing sales pitch to Miguel, but doesn't tell him everything. One small detail Dorning leaves out is, if what he plans to do is successful, Miguel will no longer exist while Marlowe continues to live; Miguel will become Marlowe.

Miguel is not a bad kid, but he is in a bad situation as far as his family life is concerned. His situation leaves him vulnerable to be exploited by Dorning. He never seems to trust Dorning, but the promises made to him are so appealing, he doesn't want to pass it up. He believes it will not only help him but will help his family as well. He is scared, but really has no place else to go. Miguel meets Dr. Marlowe, and they have a friendly relationship, visiting together about many things.

Dr. Marlowe is old and frail. He doesn't have long to live, and he's made a deal with the devil in the person of Dorning. He also doesn't know all of what will happen when his intellect is transferred to Miguel. If he did, he most likely wouldn't go through with the procedure.

Dr. Carl Dorning quit his career as a neurosurgeon to pursue his idea on mind transfer. He lives alone in a home with a full laboratory in his basement, funded mostly by Marlowe. His character is strange in that, as a reader, I liked the guy one minute and despised him the next. He seems to care for both Miguel and Marlowe, but he actually only cares for his work and its success. It is more of an obsession than a research project and this make him scary.

All three characters are well developed, and in the case of Miguel and Marlowe, they are people the reader can care about and a young reader might actually empathize with Miguel at some level. As far as Dorning is concerned, he comes across as somewhat of a snake-oil salesman who convinces others his motivations are noble, but his only motivation is a successful outcome to his project and his own fame once he releases his findings.

My favorite point of the plot in An Audience for Einstein is when we meet Miguel's family and see that they aren’t the people they are assumed to be. I found my own implicit bias causing me to make judgements about his mom and dad and thinking he might be better off with Dorning. I was pleased to learn his parents do care about him and are working toward making a better life for themselves and Miguel as well.

What I am taking away from this book is the theme of one's identity. Dorning justifies taking Miguel's identity by deeming him as one who has no potential. As far as he is concerned, Miguel will be given a gift that will improve his life. He is, in essence, plotting the murder of one human being's personality in favor of making them someone who they were not meant to be. On the other hand, Miguel thinks he and Marlowe will live sharing personalities. When he learns the truth, he asserts he wants to be who he is, free to explore his own potential. Dorning is not just unethical, he is criminal, and one might even find him pathological. Along with Miguel, Marlow doesn't have all the facts, but when he learns the eventual outcome intended by Dorning, he also rejects the taking of another life to enhance his own.

I was fascinated with An Audience for Einstein from the first page and the book held my interest and attention all the way through the end. There isn't any filler in this story, and it moves at a lightning speed. There is a lot in it to provoke thought on many levels and I think it is a wonderful story to introduce a young person to the world of Science Fiction. There isn't a lot of jargon the wade through, the language is plainly written on a level anyone can enjoy. The characters are well written and real. They will elicit emotions and reactions in the reader's mind.

I looked on Wakely's web page and found he has done his homework on the science in the story. There is an actual scientific hypothesis on the idea of memory transfer.

The author also provides resources for teachers who may like to use An Audience for Einstein in their classes.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story whether or not a sci-fi fan.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humans have a limited opportunity to accomplish as much as they can in the span of a lifetime. However, Doctor Carl Dorning has discovered a way to transplant one’s memories, permitting a person to effectively live well beyond their corporeal expiration. The trouble is, a willing recipient must be secured, and the perfect age for the procedure is adolescence. Desperate to give the famous Professor Percival Marlowe a life extension to contribute even more great work to society, Dorning treads far into the realm of moral ambiguity in order to make his experiment a reality.

This fascinating science fiction thriller incorporates elements of Frankenstein in a unique and chilling demonstration of what can happen when brilliance is masked by madness. Carl Dorning is the proverbial mad scientist, chasing after a dream that will ensure Professor Marlowe’s continued existence—and possibly a Nobel Prize in Dorning’s future. Dorning’s decisions are clouded by his desire to succeed, often leading him to desperate choices that adversely impact the lives of others. Interested only in his experiment, Dorning lies and keeps secrets in order to make forward progress.

Miguel Sanchez is the unfortunate recipient chosen to carry out Dorning’s plan. Living on the streets, he wishes to be reunited with his parents who are struggling with substance abuse and violent tendencies. Though initially compelled to participate in Dorning’s experiment because he wants to become more intelligent, Miguel soon learns that Dorning is not all he claimed to be. Wise beyond his years, young Miguel works with Marlowe’s shared consciousness in an attempt to re-emerge victorious after being kept unfairly in the background.

Compellingly written, this story examines the implications of the scientific study of life extension through a unique and engaging lens. Readers will quickly turn the book’s pages, anxiously waiting to discover what will become of the three primary protagonists. With the experimental approach of Frankenstein and the outside observation of one’s life found in A Christmas Carol, this novel will make readers think twice about their current existence and whether or not humans should be able to extend their lives through science. This is a captivating story for mature young adult readers with an interest in both psychological thrillers and the myriad possibilities scientific endeavors can hold.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Mark taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely, from BookSirens for Free for a fair and honest review.

Professor Percival Marlowe is a gifted astrophysicist, who has won the noble prize, however, he is getting old and is getting closer to the end of his life with so much left to do.
That is until a brilliant neurosurgeon, Doctor Carl Dorning, may be able to transfer his memory and knowledge, to a boy named Miguel Sanchez.
The only problem the boy will lose his memories and the professor may not like hearing people talk about him after they think his has passed away.

To me science fiction works best when it has a story with a strong moral dilemma and looks at this in several ways. This is what An Audience for Einstein does, so well.
The novel at its heart is discussing the moral dilemma that has and will plague science for as long as it is around, which is just because we can do it should we.
In this case it is transferring the mind with all its knowledge from one human to another one.
What I liked about the way that the book discussed this issue was that at the professor involved while top in his field had a number of character flaws while the young boy at the start of the book seemed to have little hope.
While the story never judged the professor or the neuro surgeon to critically which allows the reader to make up there own mind on the subject.
I think it would have made the story even better if there were some context into why the Doctor Carl Dorning was so interested in this subject matter. Similar to the way that the did a chapter on the professor’s young life.

However with the easy to read writing style of the writer and the simple yet complexity of the story I would highly recommend An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Percival Marlowe is a brilliant scientist, but he's dying and his friend and neurosurgeon Carl Dorning decides to try a revolutionary method to save his mind, transplanting his memories into another body, a younger one. He chooses to use Miguel Sanchez, an eleven years old boy, whose mother is in rehab, his father is violent and he lives on the street. The promise of a good home, food and wealth lets him accept to be part of this experiment, without knowing or realizing he could lose himself forever to the professor Marlowe. Starts, this way, a battle for dominance in Miguel's brain, until the very shocking ending.

This short story is interesting and pose ethical and philosophical questions about life and mind. What would you do to live forever? Could you value one mind and person better and more useful that one other? Where should the science stop? Where is the ethical limit to a discovery? The ends justify means and so on.
The characters are well written and you can't not "pity" or try to understand poor Miguel and his life or the professor's desire to live, even though he grows to understand what he should do, becoming more mature and less selfish.
It was really a quick and pensive reading.

[Chandaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An audience for Einstein is a sci-fi novel exploring the concept of consciousness transmission and eternity.

Let us be honest, the sci-fi bit is pretty superficial. It's just the part where consciousness is being implanted in a being but there are no real details or developments about it.

What was interesting in this novel are all the doors that this plot opened. The story makes you question a lot of things. What makes up one's identity? Memories? If you were given the opportunity to live forever, would you take it no matter the cost? Is one life worth more than another?

All those questions were delicately explored and made for a very enjoyable book. That was not what I expected but I just couldn't put down the book. It was very easy to read and pretty short. It seemed to ask the right questions without it being too moralizing and pedantic. I really liked that about it and I think that it was worth reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Siesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read of a cautionary tale - be careful what you wish for.

The body switch concept, familiar from films like Big, and Freaky Friday, is here brought up to date with the switch being facilitated by cutting edge neurosurgical experimentation. In this version, though, there are severe consequences in store for one of the switching bodies. But which will it be: Marlowe, the Nobel prize-winning and world-reknowned physicist, whose failing body is threatening a premature end to his quest for the next scientific break-through; or Miguel, the street kid who’s dropped out of school, yet is sure, given the opportunity, that he can turn his life around? Both are so beguiled by the promise of what maverick neurosurgeon Downing could provide for them that neither probe him on the “small print”.

This was a fairly predictable tale, with lightly drawn characters, clichéd set pieces, and an ending that didn’t quite stay in character (excuse the pun). Yet these short falls didn’t stop me wanting to read through to the end. But I do think, with more time spent adding depth to the three main characters, the science, and the ethics and morality at play, a much more powerful story could have been achieved.

I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An Audience for Einstein” introduces Percival Marlowe, an astrophysicist who is dying before finishing his life’s work. Carl Dorning, a neurosurgeon, discovers a way to transfer memories from one person to another. Now all they need is a volunteer.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was written in a way that was easy to understand and follow, but it was also endearing in the portrayal of the 3 main characters. The plot moved rather quickly and there was very little filler throughout the tale. The character arcs of Miguel and Marlowe were really well done, believable and intriguing. I also liked how the there was a Christmas Carol quality to revealing some of Marlowe’s past and characterization. The full blog review can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story a bit weird and more on the speculative side than I expected.
It's full of food for thought and it was an interesting read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little old for this one, but would probably be enjoyed by a younger crowd. The book has been out a while and has lots of ratings already, so I'll those ratings speak for themselves.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but the writing was a let down. Unfortunately the characters rambling explanations took me out of the story often.

[Cordelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was first published in 2005 and republished in 2019.

The story is built on the premise of a scientist and neurosurgeon planning to transfer the brain of a brilliant dying scientist to a young homeless boy so his work can be continued "for the good of all humanity". Not only does he get to continue his work but he get to learn what people really though of him. The story reminded me very much of something that might be written by Poe. It contains many elements of horror.

It is well written. The plot well paced. The characters are well rounded and seem real. It held my attention and it was a good and satisfying read. I would recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys science fiction or horror.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for sending me this ARC

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Mechele R. Dillard for TeensReadToo.com

Young Percival Marlowe was a typical science geek; elderly Professor Marlowe is a Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist who needs more time to complete all of the brilliant projects he has yet to share with the world. Unable to find a way to retrieve his own youth, Marlowe backs the project of neurosurgeon Carl Dorning, hoping but never truly believing that Dorning's revolutionary technique of transplanting memories will prove successful by the time Marlowe's rapidly-approaching death arrives.

Dorning knows that he only has one shot at transplanting Marlowe's essence, and realizes that the Professor doesn't have much time. When he meets a young homeless boy, Miguel Sanchez, all of the pieces begin to fall into place. But, when Marlowe finally realizes that this procedure may actually happen, he begins to question the moral implications of Dorning's potential success: "You've wrestled with the procedures and won, but not with the long term consequences, Dorning. Don't you see? If you're successful, you might have found a unique way to create a new class of slaves" (p. 42).

Mark Wakely's first novel tackles some big issues, forcing the reader to weigh the value of the life of a genius of science against that of an illiterate street urchin. Is the potential value of continuing a life already proven invaluable to mankind worth the sacrifice of one homeless boy who doesn't even know his own age? Or is the unique spirit Miguel brings to humanity more important than all of the equations and theories a second life for Professor Marlowe could offer?

2006 EPPIE Award

2003 Authorlink New Author Award for Science Fiction

2002/03 Fountainhead Productions National Writing Contest Winner

2003 Writemovies.com International Writing Competition, Finalist

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor Percival Marlowe, a Nobel Prize winning astrophysicist, is dying, much to his regret. But he is not without hope: years before, Doctor Carl Dorning, a neurosurgeon, had talked Marlowe into financing his research into preserving the brain in another body. In the waning days of Marlowe’s life, Dorning sees the necessity for finding a “donor” for Marlowe's brain and seizes upon Miguel Sanchez, a young homeless boy who doesn’t quite understand what he is signing up to do.

Evaluation: This is what I would call “old-fashioned” science fiction, which focuses on characterization rather than technology. It’s not an earth-shaking book, but with all of its ethical questions actually would make quite a good discussion book for a bookclub.

[Megan Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to Flowers for Algernon. An old scientist is near death and a doctor convinces him to transfer his mind into a boy. The boy and scientist agree, but then both decide the doctor misled them. The scientist uses his intelligence to foil the doctor's plan.

Favorite quote: "His gaze grew hazy. 'Cambridge, 1924,' he said quietly, the words measured and precisely spoken, just as the professor used to speak, the cadence identical, and the inflection unmistakable."

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my son when he was in 6th grade and it gave us a lot to talk about. It's an intriguing book that raises some good questions about the value of life and the bounds of scientific research and knowledge.

[Angie Hyche · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book club book that I just could NOT get into. I found the science of it very unbelievable. I don't think I would have finished it unless it had been for book club.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a fun read with ethical/moral issues thrown in...and a good ending.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great idea for a story line, but the writing was awful. This book ended up being a chore to finish.

[Kemlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating this four stars for the story, which is thought-provoking and makes an interesting starting point for a group discussion. The writing isn't extraordinary but it isn't awful, either.