Title: Better Than Life
Authors: Grant Naylor (the two-headed comedy beast of Rob Grant and Doug Naylor)
Narrator: Chris Barrie, the legend himself
Sometimes life throws you curveballs, like bad coffee, parking tickets, or an unrelenting hologram named Rimmer. Other times, it throws you this audiobook—a sheer delight that proves, once again, that sometimes the book really is better than life.
Better Than Life takes the chaos of the Red Dwarf universe and cranks it up to eleven. It’s clever, outrageous, and packed with absurdly funny twists. The crew’s misadventures in a dangerously immersive virtual reality game are the stuff of comedic legend—because why stop at ruining one life when you can ruin multiple simulated ones at the same time?
Chris Barrie’s narration isn’t just “good”; it’s smeg-tacular. He slips effortlessly between Rimmer’s whiny self-importance, Lister’s laid-back charm, Cat’s narcissistic flair, and Kryten’s earnest exasperation. It’s like a one-man Red Dwarf cast party, and we’re all invited.
Listening to this audiobook is an experience. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, deeply nostalgic for Dwarfers, and genuinely touching in places (yes, even Rimmer has his moments). Just beware: you’ll find yourself trying to explain why you’re laughing to anyone within earshot—and failing miserably because “I’m laughing at a neurotic hologram arguing with a sentient toaster” doesn’t quite translate.
Life can be tough, but this audiobook is a reminder that a bit of ridiculous escapism and a lot of laughter can make it all bearable. 5/5 Stars. Perfect for smegheads, comedy fans, and anyone who needs a break from reality—virtual or otherwise.