Was in a collection of radio plays that I listened to while out exercising, enjoyed so later got the book and read it in peace and quiet at home. The basic premise of individuals with exceptionally long lives is not a new idea but pretty well done in this case with the story hopping from Tom's birth in the past 450 years ago to the present and then back to various points in his extended life until the past/present catch up together. Recommended, ignore the some what silly reviews.