Early Warning: Last Hundred Years Trilogy, Book 2 Audiobook
Early Warning is the second audiobook in Jane Smiley’s Last Hundred Years trilogy. It follows the Langdon family from the 1950s to the 1980s, with family relationships and the Vietnam War set against changing American life.
At a glance
- Follows the Langdon family across several decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s.
- The plot spans family relationships, life on an Iowa farm and the shadow of the Vietnam War.
- A substantial, unabridged narration for listeners who want the complete novel.
Reference price: £11.33
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The long unabridged format suits listeners looking for an extended family saga.
- Narrator and author are identified in the listing.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Format | Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Edition | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 18 hours and 12 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Narrator | Lorelei King |
| Author | Jane Smiley |
| Publisher | Macmillan Digital Audio |
| Publication date | 7 May 2015 |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
This is Book 2 of a trilogy, so it may be more rewarding for listeners already familiar with the series. The listing describes events across the 1950s to the 1980s and a family saga rather than a narrowly focused plot.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners who enjoy multi-generational family stories and character-led fiction.
- Those following Jane Smiley’s Last Hundred Years trilogy.
- Audiobook listeners seeking an unabridged story with a long listening time.
Less suited to
- Listeners looking for a short audiobook or a standalone story without series context.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
47% 47% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
17% 17% - 2 stars
5% 5% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback is generally positive about the writing, characters and family-saga appeal, with some describing the novel as engaging and a strong instalment in the series. Reactions to the story flow, character development and ending are mixed, including a report that the ending feels like a cliffhanger. For a long audiobook centred on a large family across several decades, the character-focused approach may appeal to patient listeners, while the reported unevenness and unresolved ending are worth considering.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the writing and complex, compelling characters.
- The family-saga and series aspects receive positive feedback.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on story flow and character development is mixed, with some finding the narrative disjointed.
- Reactions to the ending vary, with one customer describing it as a cliffhanger.
Frequently asked questions
Is Early Warning part of a series?
Yes. The listing identifies it as Book 2 of Jane Smiley’s Last Hundred Years trilogy.
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 18 hours and 12 minutes.
Who narrates this edition?
The listing names Lorelei King as the narrator.
Is the audiobook abridged?
It is listed as unabridged.
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