The Years of Rice and Salt

Set in an alternate 14th century, this audiobook explores a world transformed by a catastrophic version of the Black Death, where 99% of Europe’s population is wiped out. Kim Stanley Robinson delves into a speculative history where civilizations evolve differently, with the first voyages to the New World emerging from China, and the Industrial Revolution stemming from India’s scientific advances. Through a diverse cast of characters, including soldiers, kings, and scholars, the narrative intricately examines religion, culture, and power, crafting a rich tapestry of a changed Earth that resonates with profound questions about human existence.