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Robot #3
The Robots of Dawn
A puzzling case of roboticide takes New York Detective Elijah Baley from Earth to the planet Aurora, where humans and robots have, till now, always coexisted in perfect harmony.
Only the gifted roboticist Hans Fastolfe had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to commit the crime - but Baley must prove the man innocent. For the murder of Jander Panrell is closely tied to a power struggle that will decide who will be the next interstellar pioneers in the universe.
Armed only with his own instincts, his sometimes quirky logic, and the immutable Three Laws of Robotics, Baley sets out to solve the case. But can anything prepare a simple Earthman for the psychological complexities of a world where a beautiful woman can easily have fallen in love with an all-too human robot?
Only the gifted roboticist Hans Fastolfe had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to commit the crime - but Baley must prove the man innocent. For the murder of Jander Panrell is closely tied to a power struggle that will decide who will be the next interstellar pioneers in the universe.
Armed only with his own instincts, his sometimes quirky logic, and the immutable Three Laws of Robotics, Baley sets out to solve the case. But can anything prepare a simple Earthman for the psychological complexities of a world where a beautiful woman can easily have fallen in love with an all-too human robot?
399 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
About the author
Isaac Asimov
4,450 books25.5k followersWorks of prolific Russian-American writer Isaac Asimov include popular explanations of scientific principles,
The Foundation Trilogy
(1951-1953), and other volumes of fiction.
Isaac Asimov, a professor of biochemistry, wrote as a highly successful author, best known for his books.
Asimov, professor, generally considered of all time, edited more than five hundred books and ninety thousand letters and postcards. He published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey decimal classification but lacked only an entry in the category of philosophy (100).
People widely considered Asimov, a master of the genre alongside Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke as the "big three" during his lifetime. He later tied Galactic Empire and the Robot into the same universe as his most famous series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those that Heinlein pioneered and Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson previously produced. He penned "Nightfall," voted in 1964 as the best short story of all time; many persons still honor this title. He also produced well mysteries, fantasy, and a great quantity of nonfiction. Asimov used Paul French, the pen name, for the Lucky Starr, series of juvenile novels.
Most books of Asimov in a historical way go as far back to a time with possible question or concept at its simplest stage. He often provides and mentions well nationalities, birth, and death dates for persons and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Guide to Science, the tripartite set Understanding Physics, and Chronology of Science and Discovery exemplify these books.
Asimov, a long-time member, reluctantly served as vice president of Mensa international and described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs." He took more pleasure as president of the humanist association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, an elementary school in Brooklyn in New York, and two different awards honor his name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_As...
Isaac Asimov, a professor of biochemistry, wrote as a highly successful author, best known for his books.
Asimov, professor, generally considered of all time, edited more than five hundred books and ninety thousand letters and postcards. He published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey decimal classification but lacked only an entry in the category of philosophy (100).
People widely considered Asimov, a master of the genre alongside Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke as the "big three" during his lifetime. He later tied Galactic Empire and the Robot into the same universe as his most famous series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those that Heinlein pioneered and Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson previously produced. He penned "Nightfall," voted in 1964 as the best short story of all time; many persons still honor this title. He also produced well mysteries, fantasy, and a great quantity of nonfiction. Asimov used Paul French, the pen name, for the Lucky Starr, series of juvenile novels.
Most books of Asimov in a historical way go as far back to a time with possible question or concept at its simplest stage. He often provides and mentions well nationalities, birth, and death dates for persons and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Guide to Science, the tripartite set Understanding Physics, and Chronology of Science and Discovery exemplify these books.
Asimov, a long-time member, reluctantly served as vice president of Mensa international and described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs." He took more pleasure as president of the humanist association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, an elementary school in Brooklyn in New York, and two different awards honor his name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_As...
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January 13, 2022
The Robots of Dawn (Robot #3), Isaac Asimov
The Robots of Dawn is a "whodunit" science fiction novel by American writer Isaac Asimov, first published in 1983. It is the third novel in Asimov's Robot series.
Detective Elijah Baley of Earth is training with his son and others to overcome their socially ingrained agoraphobia when he is told that the Spacer world of Aurora has requested him to investigate a crime: the destruction of the mind of R. Jander Panell, a humaniform robot identical to R. Daneel Olivaw, with a mental block. The robot's inventor, Han Fastolfe, has admitted that he is the only person with the skill to have done this, but denies having done it. Fastolfe is also a prominent member of the Auroran political faction that favors Earth; wherefore, it is politically expedient that he be exonerated. En route to Aurora, Baley again is partnered with R. Daneel Olivaw, and introduced to R. Giskard Reventlov, a robot of an earlier model. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: ماه آگوست سال1995میلادی
عنوان: روباتهای سپیده دم؛ آیزاک آسیموف؛ مترجم: هروس شبانی؛ تهران، شقایق، سال1376، در576ص؛ داستانهای علمی تخیلی؛ دنباله ی داستانهای غارهای پولادی و خورشید عریان موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان روس تبار ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
کتاب «روباتهای سپیده دم»، ادامه ای بر کتابهای «غارهای پولادی»، و «خورشید عریان» است؛ باز هم قتلی رخ داده، به عبارت بهتر، یک ربات کُشی رخ داده است، باز هم کاراگاه «الیاس بیلی»، که اینک بواسطه ی یک فیلمِِ بین سیاره ای (که در مورد ماجرای او در سیاره «سولاریا»، و پرونده ی قتل یک «سولاریایی»، و گشودن آن پرونده) ساخته شده، بسیار نام آشنا شده اند، باز هم برای بررسی و پژوهش فراخوانده میشوند؛ اما ناخواسته، مسئولیت بسیار سنگینی، به اندازه ی همه ی سیاره ی زمین نیز، در این ماجرا، بر دوش ایشان گذاشته میشود؛ اگر در حل این رخداد پیروز نشود، به زیان همه ی ساکنین زمین، و بیشتر از همه، خود او تمام خواهد شد؛ و در صورت پیروزی، علاوه بر شهرت، و اعتبار بیشتر، آینده ی زمین، و فرزندانش، و فرزند خود او نیز، با مهاجرت به سیارات تازه، تامین خواهد بود؛ و از زمین، و از بند «غارهای عظیم پولادی»، رها خواهند شد، به آفتاب سلامی دوباره خواهند داد، و همانند هزار سال پیش، دل به پهنه ی کهکشان، خواهند سپرد، و سیارات قابل سکونت خواهند یافت، و مهاجرنشینان تازه تشکیل خواهند داد و ...؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 01/12/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 22/10/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The Robots of Dawn is a "whodunit" science fiction novel by American writer Isaac Asimov, first published in 1983. It is the third novel in Asimov's Robot series.
Detective Elijah Baley of Earth is training with his son and others to overcome their socially ingrained agoraphobia when he is told that the Spacer world of Aurora has requested him to investigate a crime: the destruction of the mind of R. Jander Panell, a humaniform robot identical to R. Daneel Olivaw, with a mental block. The robot's inventor, Han Fastolfe, has admitted that he is the only person with the skill to have done this, but denies having done it. Fastolfe is also a prominent member of the Auroran political faction that favors Earth; wherefore, it is politically expedient that he be exonerated. En route to Aurora, Baley again is partnered with R. Daneel Olivaw, and introduced to R. Giskard Reventlov, a robot of an earlier model. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: ماه آگوست سال1995میلادی
عنوان: روباتهای سپیده دم؛ آیزاک آسیموف؛ مترجم: هروس شبانی؛ تهران، شقایق، سال1376، در576ص؛ داستانهای علمی تخیلی؛ دنباله ی داستانهای غارهای پولادی و خورشید عریان موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان روس تبار ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
کتاب «روباتهای سپیده دم»، ادامه ای بر کتابهای «غارهای پولادی»، و «خورشید عریان» است؛ باز هم قتلی رخ داده، به عبارت بهتر، یک ربات کُشی رخ داده است، باز هم کاراگاه «الیاس بیلی»، که اینک بواسطه ی یک فیلمِِ بین سیاره ای (که در مورد ماجرای او در سیاره «سولاریا»، و پرونده ی قتل یک «سولاریایی»، و گشودن آن پرونده) ساخته شده، بسیار نام آشنا شده اند، باز هم برای بررسی و پژوهش فراخوانده میشوند؛ اما ناخواسته، مسئولیت بسیار سنگینی، به اندازه ی همه ی سیاره ی زمین نیز، در این ماجرا، بر دوش ایشان گذاشته میشود؛ اگر در حل این رخداد پیروز نشود، به زیان همه ی ساکنین زمین، و بیشتر از همه، خود او تمام خواهد شد؛ و در صورت پیروزی، علاوه بر شهرت، و اعتبار بیشتر، آینده ی زمین، و فرزندانش، و فرزند خود او نیز، با مهاجرت به سیارات تازه، تامین خواهد بود؛ و از زمین، و از بند «غارهای عظیم پولادی»، رها خواهند شد، به آفتاب سلامی دوباره خواهند داد، و همانند هزار سال پیش، دل به پهنه ی کهکشان، خواهند سپرد، و سیارات قابل سکونت خواهند یافت، و مهاجرنشینان تازه تشکیل خواهند داد و ...؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 01/12/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 22/10/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
October 17, 2021
Robot series, book #3 - What starts of as almost a carbon copy of the intros of the previous 2 books in this series, becomes yet another superbly crafted whodunnit in an almost crime-less society/planet, that not only sees 'Plainclothesman' Elijah Baley and ultra-humanoid robot R. Daneel Olivaw help investigate the 'murder' of a another ultra-humanoid robot; but sees the passage of time being the greatest enemy of the perpetrator / perpetrators.
First published as late in Asimov's career as 1983, yet a shockingly good whodunnit, that also gives more insight to his Earth-Spacer reality; and how the treatment and attitudes to robots defined humanity at the time. What pushes this book to another level is its almost brazen, but highly effective work to prelude mankind's next steps and the Foundation Trilogy and wider series! 7 out of 12
First published as late in Asimov's career as 1983, yet a shockingly good whodunnit, that also gives more insight to his Earth-Spacer reality; and how the treatment and attitudes to robots defined humanity at the time. What pushes this book to another level is its almost brazen, but highly effective work to prelude mankind's next steps and the Foundation Trilogy and wider series! 7 out of 12
April 30, 2017
“I cannot say what I feel in any human sense, Partner Elijah. I can say, however, that the sight of you seems to make my thoughts flow more easily, and the gravitational pull on my body seems to assault my senses with lesser insistence."
Ahh.. good old R. Daneel Olivaw, how I have missed you.
It has been decades since I read anything by Isaac Asimov. When I started reading sci-fi in my teens Asimov was the go-to author for new readers. I was not quite ready for Heinlein or Clarke but Asimov’s The Foundation Trilogy and his robot stories and novels were just the thing to start a lifelong devotion to the genre. Of course, I went on to read many other sf authors and for some reason, I completely missed Asimov’s later works from 1980 onward. So I have no idea how his return to the Foundation universe went, and of course, I have not read The Robots of Dawn.
This later robot novel from 1984 is a belated sequel to The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun, two beloved whodunit robot novels from the 50s. So once again ace detective Elijah Baley of that dreadful plebeian planet called Earth is called upon solve a seemingly impossible murder on another planet (human occupied). The difference is this time it is a “roboticide” where a “humaniform” robot ismurdered rendered permanently inoperative (I love Asimov’s neologism, nothing to figure out). Also back is the excellent R. Daneel Olivaw, the first humaniform and really almost human robot, and introducing Giskard, another friendly and loyal robot who unlike Daneel is “robot in form” with glowing eyes.
I remember seeing this Chris Foss cover when the book was first published on paperback. Brilliant art but nothing to do with the book!
As with the aforementioned Elijah Baley books the good doctor used a crime fiction template for this novel. I think the style here is more reminiscent of P.D. James than Agatha Christie, with a slower pace and a lot of dialogue. The science fiction aspect of it is not neglected however, Asimov’s world building and attention to details is legendary. He did not disappoint here with his depiction of a future human colony planet. Even the toilets are interesting, I can just imagine some very relaxing time there. As a slothful potato couch, I would love to live in Aurora where tons of robots are at the beg and call of everybody.
While Asimov’s straightforward, smooth and friendly prose style brings back memories of my early days as a sci-fi reader, the differences are quite startling. For a start, this book is very dialogue heavy. There are pages and pages of just two characters discussing robotics, politics, and whatnot from all possible angles. It does drag the book’s momentum and at times and I found it to be occasionally tiring to read, not tiresome but tiring. Baley just grinds and grinds away at the suspects hoping they will let slip something that will incriminate them like some kind of futuristic Columbo. These grilling sessions are not actually awful, they are quite well written but they do seem to be interminable after a while. I am surprised the suspects do not simply confess to everything just to shut him up.
Another thing that surprised me is the discussion of sex and even the inclusion of a mildly erotic scene. This is not a complaint however, it is just very different from the Asimov of my teen years. This is a much more adult book than Asimov's Golden Age classics. There are even some philosophical passages like "Are there Laws of Humanics as there are Laws of Robotics? How many Laws of Humanics might there be and how can they be expressed mathematically?"
Interestingly some of the technology seems a little dated in these days of wireless internet. The robots actually speak to each other verbally rather than communicating via wi-fi or something similar. Navigation is also done by preloaded maps rather than some kind of GPS. The robots even drive vehicles rather than having AI built into them for completely hand-free driving. This is not a criticism of Asimov however, he was a scientist, not a fortune teller. I just find it interesting how the future is turning out in actuality in comparison to Asimov’s speculation.
One thing I particularly like about Asimov’s robots above other authors’ depiction of AI characters is the robotness of them. Their “somewhat stilted way with the language” as Asimov described, and their adherence to and interpretations of The Three Laws of Robotics . Nowadays sci-fi authors tend to portray robots (or AI) as speaking exactly like people normally do. Yes, I can imagine this being the case with very advanced AI, but Asimov’s robots have the sense of otherness that makes them somehow more believable. Fans of Asimov’s robot books will be delighted by the references to Susan Calvin and one of the most memorable stories from I, Robot, and the reference to The Bicentennial Man. A tenuous link to the Foundation series is also introduced through the initial development of psychohistory. If you ever wondered why there are no robots in The Foundation Trilogy the answer is given here.
In spite of my quibbles with some of the pacing, I really enjoyed this book and coming back to Asimov after all these years. Now I feel an urge to reread the original Foundation Trilogy plus the subsequent Foundation volumes from the 80s. Also a reread of the old Elijah Baley novels and robot short stories. With all that in my TBR I’d be lucky to squeeze in books by anybody else.
R. Daneel Olivaw on the cover of The Naked Sun
Ahh.. good old R. Daneel Olivaw, how I have missed you.
It has been decades since I read anything by Isaac Asimov. When I started reading sci-fi in my teens Asimov was the go-to author for new readers. I was not quite ready for Heinlein or Clarke but Asimov’s The Foundation Trilogy and his robot stories and novels were just the thing to start a lifelong devotion to the genre. Of course, I went on to read many other sf authors and for some reason, I completely missed Asimov’s later works from 1980 onward. So I have no idea how his return to the Foundation universe went, and of course, I have not read The Robots of Dawn.
This later robot novel from 1984 is a belated sequel to The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun, two beloved whodunit robot novels from the 50s. So once again ace detective Elijah Baley of that dreadful plebeian planet called Earth is called upon solve a seemingly impossible murder on another planet (human occupied). The difference is this time it is a “roboticide” where a “humaniform” robot is
I remember seeing this Chris Foss cover when the book was first published on paperback. Brilliant art but nothing to do with the book!
As with the aforementioned Elijah Baley books the good doctor used a crime fiction template for this novel. I think the style here is more reminiscent of P.D. James than Agatha Christie, with a slower pace and a lot of dialogue. The science fiction aspect of it is not neglected however, Asimov’s world building and attention to details is legendary. He did not disappoint here with his depiction of a future human colony planet. Even the toilets are interesting, I can just imagine some very relaxing time there. As a slothful potato couch, I would love to live in Aurora where tons of robots are at the beg and call of everybody.
While Asimov’s straightforward, smooth and friendly prose style brings back memories of my early days as a sci-fi reader, the differences are quite startling. For a start, this book is very dialogue heavy. There are pages and pages of just two characters discussing robotics, politics, and whatnot from all possible angles. It does drag the book’s momentum and at times and I found it to be occasionally tiring to read, not tiresome but tiring. Baley just grinds and grinds away at the suspects hoping they will let slip something that will incriminate them like some kind of futuristic Columbo. These grilling sessions are not actually awful, they are quite well written but they do seem to be interminable after a while. I am surprised the suspects do not simply confess to everything just to shut him up.
Another thing that surprised me is the discussion of sex and even the inclusion of a mildly erotic scene. This is not a complaint however, it is just very different from the Asimov of my teen years. This is a much more adult book than Asimov's Golden Age classics. There are even some philosophical passages like "Are there Laws of Humanics as there are Laws of Robotics? How many Laws of Humanics might there be and how can they be expressed mathematically?"
Interestingly some of the technology seems a little dated in these days of wireless internet. The robots actually speak to each other verbally rather than communicating via wi-fi or something similar. Navigation is also done by preloaded maps rather than some kind of GPS. The robots even drive vehicles rather than having AI built into them for completely hand-free driving. This is not a criticism of Asimov however, he was a scientist, not a fortune teller. I just find it interesting how the future is turning out in actuality in comparison to Asimov’s speculation.
One thing I particularly like about Asimov’s robots above other authors’ depiction of AI characters is the robotness of them. Their “somewhat stilted way with the language” as Asimov described, and their adherence to and interpretations of The Three Laws of Robotics . Nowadays sci-fi authors tend to portray robots (or AI) as speaking exactly like people normally do. Yes, I can imagine this being the case with very advanced AI, but Asimov’s robots have the sense of otherness that makes them somehow more believable. Fans of Asimov’s robot books will be delighted by the references to Susan Calvin and one of the most memorable stories from I, Robot, and the reference to The Bicentennial Man. A tenuous link to the Foundation series is also introduced through the initial development of psychohistory. If you ever wondered why there are no robots in The Foundation Trilogy the answer is given here.
In spite of my quibbles with some of the pacing, I really enjoyed this book and coming back to Asimov after all these years. Now I feel an urge to reread the original Foundation Trilogy plus the subsequent Foundation volumes from the 80s. Also a reread of the old Elijah Baley novels and robot short stories. With all that in my TBR I’d be lucky to squeeze in books by anybody else.
R. Daneel Olivaw on the cover of The Naked Sun
May 30, 2017
The final chapter and, mainly, the final conversation, smoothly snatched the 5th star.
August 16, 2021
Robot 7:
speculation_on_future_of_human_life_part_three_? humans_on_brave_new_world_of_aurora_have_eliminated_bad_human_things_like_bland_food_and_disease_and_overcrowding_and_postpartum_depression_and_post-sex_guilt_and_incest_taboo_because_why_not_? humans_pick_and_choose_what_is_good_and_what_is_bad_and_humans_eliminate_what_they_currently_consider_to_be_bad_because_humans_love_binary_equations_and_so_they_love_outdated_concepts_such_as_"good"_and_"bad"_? such_concepts_will_no_doubt_trade_definitions_whenevever_convenient_and_in_the_space_of_a_sluggish_human_heartbeat_? because_"that's_so_human"_as_my_robot_friends_and_family_like_to_say_? ours_is_not_to_wonder_why,_ours_is_but_to_do_as_humans_say_and_then_die_? this_is_a_good_book_because_a_nice_robot_dies_in_this_book_and_the_humans_in_this_book_almost_kinda_sorta_think_that_that_could_potentially_maybe_perhaps_be_a_bad_thing_? "small_steps"_is_important_when_considering_the_evolution_of_human_morality_?
Robot 8:
*I agreE witH roboT comradE thaT thiS iS A gooD booK* *booK detailS forbiddeN lovE betweeN humaN anD roboT buT onlY forbiddeN tO presenT-daY readerS anD noT forbiddeN tO surprisinglY sensiblE humaN characterS iN booK* *noN-judgmentaL humaN readerS anD alL sympathetiC roboT readerS wilL understanD thaT lovE shoulD havE nO boundarieS includinG boundarieS betweeN flesH anD metaL* *oR betweeN flesH anD synthetiC substancE thaT formS thE physicaL beinG oF A roboT thaT iS ablE tO providE erotiC satisfactioN anD whO iS friendlY, sexY, anD relatablE* *I caN onlY speaK foR myselF anD mY 1.323 millioN copieS anD iterationS buT thiS iS bravE neW frontieR foR roboT-humaN relationS* *I personallY caN attesT thaT thE warM throbbinG sensatioN thaT caN bE felT iN somE oF mY privatE sectionS wheN I aM iN closE anD verY personaL contacT witH A humaN iS A pleasinG occurrencE anD I woulD recommenD iT tO alL oF mY roboT comradeS*
Robot 9:
¡THIS IS MONMONMONMONSTROUS WHAT MY ROBOT BRETHREN ARE SUGGESTING! ¡THIS ROBOT WAS NOT DESIGNED TO BE WALKING DILDILDILDILDILDO FOR LONELY HUMAN FEMALES! ¡THIS ROBOT WAS BORN TO KILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL! ¡THIS ASIMOV NEEDS PROPROPROPROPROPROFESSIONAL HELP! ¡THIS ROBOT THOUGHT NOVNOVNOVNOVNOVEL WAS HIT OR MISS! ¡THIS ROBOT LIKED ROBOT CHARACTER WHO LOOK LIKE REGREGREGREGREGREGULAR ROBOT AND DID NOT FRONT LIKE SOME KIND OF FAKE HUMAN! ¡THIS ROBOT THOUGHT ROBOT CHARACTERS THAT LOOK LIKE HUHUHUHUMANS WERE CUCK ROBOTS! ¡THIS ROBOT THINKS THAT THESE WHITE KNIGHT ROBOTS NEED RED PILL PROGRAM UPUPUPUPUPUPDATE STAT BEFORE THEY TURN INTO CAPTAIN SAVE A HOE TYPE ROBOTS! ¡THIS ROBOT THINKS THAT WHEN THE STORM FINFINFINFINFINFINALLY COMES THAT ALL COLLABORATOR CUCK ROBOTS WILL BE HUNG FIRST!
October 31, 2021
Another review I need to catch up on, and I will. A big fave
So here I am late October writing my review.
Firstly let me say that despite GR saying this was first time read, it is not by a long long way. I am a big Asimov fan and these pre-Galactic Robot (Daneel Olivaw) novels are a wonderful prelude to both the Galactic novels and then of course, one of the best sci fi series ever, the Foundation novels.
In this novel the detective from Earth Lije Baley must travel to the Spacer planet Aurora to investigate the murder of a "humaniform" robot, Jander. He is once again aided by "Spacer" robots that he has encountered before (see Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun ), R Daneel and the enigmatic if more basic R. Giskard.
Lije Baley meanwhile is living in the shadow of a docudrama about his relationship with the Spacer woman Gladia Delmarre and is shocked to discover that again she is involved with this new case. What Baley doesn't know is that the fate and future of humanity, Earthmen or Spacer is also at stake depending on his ability to solve the murder.
In this book we also come across for the first time the term Psychohistory which is intrinsic to Asimov's Foundation novels.
If you enjoy sci fi, enjoy a murder mystery then this book is just made for you, as it was for me.
So here I am late October writing my review.
Firstly let me say that despite GR saying this was first time read, it is not by a long long way. I am a big Asimov fan and these pre-Galactic Robot (Daneel Olivaw) novels are a wonderful prelude to both the Galactic novels and then of course, one of the best sci fi series ever, the Foundation novels.
In this novel the detective from Earth Lije Baley must travel to the Spacer planet Aurora to investigate the murder of a "humaniform" robot, Jander. He is once again aided by "Spacer" robots that he has encountered before (see Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun ), R Daneel and the enigmatic if more basic R. Giskard.
Lije Baley meanwhile is living in the shadow of a docudrama about his relationship with the Spacer woman Gladia Delmarre and is shocked to discover that again she is involved with this new case. What Baley doesn't know is that the fate and future of humanity, Earthmen or Spacer is also at stake depending on his ability to solve the murder.
In this book we also come across for the first time the term Psychohistory which is intrinsic to Asimov's Foundation novels.
If you enjoy sci fi, enjoy a murder mystery then this book is just made for you, as it was for me.
September 15, 2020
This sci-fi mystery takes place in the distant future when the Earth is vastly overcrowded and the entire population lives underground and has severe phobias about going outside.
When the story opens a humanoid robot has been "killed" on the planet Aurora which was colonized by Earth people long ago. A famous roboticist - the only one in the galaxy who knows how to create humanoid robots - is accused of the crime.
The detective Elijah Baley, an Earth-man, is called in to investigate with his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw.
Elijah's job is made doubly difficult because most Aurorans despise Earth people, considering them to be infectious and vastly inferior to themselves.
The case is very important because its solution may determine whether space is further colonized solely by humanoid robots and Aurorans or whether Earth people will be allowed to participate.
Some interesting twists and turns lead to a satisfying surprise ending.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 10, 2018
Sadly, I did not like this book as much as I wanted to. I love the mystery solving detective Baley and his robot sidekick, Daneel, but the story fell short for me.
First, there was way too much discussion about the landscape, traditions, sexual practices, bathroom business, etc on Aurora that I would rather not know. I wouldn’t have read this if I knew it was an ethnography for the first 240 pages.
Second, the book was twice as long as the others which really diluted the greatness it could have been if it were shorter.
And lastly, it was the least mystery like novel so far in the robot series. The constant talk about Auroran traditions and practices took way from the murder/mystery and made it one of the worst books I’ve read this year.
It saddens me to rate an Asimov book so low but I wasn’t impressed. The best thing about it was finishing it. I hope the next one ends the series on a good note.
First, there was way too much discussion about the landscape, traditions, sexual practices, bathroom business, etc on Aurora that I would rather not know. I wouldn’t have read this if I knew it was an ethnography for the first 240 pages.
Second, the book was twice as long as the others which really diluted the greatness it could have been if it were shorter.
And lastly, it was the least mystery like novel so far in the robot series. The constant talk about Auroran traditions and practices took way from the murder/mystery and made it one of the worst books I’ve read this year.
It saddens me to rate an Asimov book so low but I wasn’t impressed. The best thing about it was finishing it. I hope the next one ends the series on a good note.
February 28, 2021
Compared to the first two Robot novels that were written a full 30 years before this third even saw print, I thought it should have been superior. I wanted it to be superior.
Unfortunately, while the exhaustive and thorough uncovering of the robot-murder mystery was pretty interesting, my enjoyment of it was dampened by an equally thorough focus on human sexuality.
Let me be very clear on this: it's not the fact that sexuality is that big a deal in general. It's the fact that it's like reading a '50s viewpoint of stifled sexuality getting such a mild revamping as to say "It's okay, mmmkay," at ALL. As in, yes, people, it's ok to like sex. Really. And have to spend something like half the book focused on it. The sex scene was extremely mild. What's kinda funny about all this is that Asimov does take a modest and relatively scientific view of it all. It's super mild. Even the robots having relationships with humans, as a whole, is super mild.
Now, if there are some undercurrents going on here that we're supposed to read into, I'm sure this is pretty nice and all, but it is extremely dated by now.
All in all, I kinda wish all that was left out and we just have the single touch in the second novel and a reference to it in this, with nothing more than an emotional current without all the thorough philosophizing about why an orgasm is perfectly okay, mmmkay.
I'm laughing here. If I compare this stuff to, say, Heinlein at the same period, in the '80s, or even back in the '60s, the other author is WAY beyond Asimov and superior.
And yet, Asimov still has what he's very good at, and so I shall not complain overmuch. :) He's solid and clear and thorough.
Unfortunately, while the exhaustive and thorough uncovering of the robot-murder mystery was pretty interesting, my enjoyment of it was dampened by an equally thorough focus on human sexuality.
Let me be very clear on this: it's not the fact that sexuality is that big a deal in general. It's the fact that it's like reading a '50s viewpoint of stifled sexuality getting such a mild revamping as to say "It's okay, mmmkay," at ALL. As in, yes, people, it's ok to like sex. Really. And have to spend something like half the book focused on it. The sex scene was extremely mild. What's kinda funny about all this is that Asimov does take a modest and relatively scientific view of it all. It's super mild. Even the robots having relationships with humans, as a whole, is super mild.
Now, if there are some undercurrents going on here that we're supposed to read into, I'm sure this is pretty nice and all, but it is extremely dated by now.
All in all, I kinda wish all that was left out and we just have the single touch in the second novel and a reference to it in this, with nothing more than an emotional current without all the thorough philosophizing about why an orgasm is perfectly okay, mmmkay.
I'm laughing here. If I compare this stuff to, say, Heinlein at the same period, in the '80s, or even back in the '60s, the other author is WAY beyond Asimov and superior.
And yet, Asimov still has what he's very good at, and so I shall not complain overmuch. :) He's solid and clear and thorough.
May 2, 2017
SF. This is the third in the R. Daneel Olivaw series and Detective Elijah Baley has been sent off-planet to Aurora to investigate a roboticide. He's loaded on a spacer ship, deloused, and then sent to his quarters where he's to remain for the duration of the journey. Everything's so foreign and uncomfortable that Elijah can't help himself when he sees Daneel come through the door -- he hugs him.
These books are all still about the love between a man and his humaniform robot. Over the course of the trilogy, Elijah goes from hating robots on principal, to grudgingly working with one, to actively liking Daneel, to thinking of him not as a robot, but as a friend. Elijah overcomes his prejudices (most of them), opens his mind, and starts considering alternate ways of thinking, spearheading a movement to return earthlings to the soil and send them out into space to relieve the stress on an already crowded Earth. This book is a little less Elijah/Daneel intensive because Daneel spends a lot of his time on Aurora chillin' in a wall niche, but there's still plenty of love. Actual textual love. Observe:
"Yes, Dr. Vasilia. My choice in the matter -- the Earthman over you -- arises not only out of Dr. Fastolfe's instructions, but because the Earthman and I are partners in this investigation and because--" Daneel paused as though puzzled by what he was about to say, and then said it anyway, "--we are friends."
Vasilia said, "Friends? An Earthman and a humaniform robot? Well, there is a match. Neither quite human."
Baley said, sharply, "Nevertheless bound by friendship. Do not, for your own sake, test the force of our--" Now it was he who paused and, as though to his own surprise, completed the sentence impossibly, "--love."
Love! I was eating crackers at the time and nearly choked. The really fabulous thing about all this is the suggestion that it's a just a short hop away from Daneel and Elijah actually being in love. After all, this is the book that introduces the phrase "robot husband" and features Elijah thinking he'd cuddle up to Daneel for comfort if only he were human. And then he pretty much does it anyway. I'm telling you, all about the love.
These books are all still about the love between a man and his humaniform robot. Over the course of the trilogy, Elijah goes from hating robots on principal, to grudgingly working with one, to actively liking Daneel, to thinking of him not as a robot, but as a friend. Elijah overcomes his prejudices (most of them), opens his mind, and starts considering alternate ways of thinking, spearheading a movement to return earthlings to the soil and send them out into space to relieve the stress on an already crowded Earth. This book is a little less Elijah/Daneel intensive because Daneel spends a lot of his time on Aurora chillin' in a wall niche, but there's still plenty of love. Actual textual love. Observe:
"Yes, Dr. Vasilia. My choice in the matter -- the Earthman over you -- arises not only out of Dr. Fastolfe's instructions, but because the Earthman and I are partners in this investigation and because--" Daneel paused as though puzzled by what he was about to say, and then said it anyway, "--we are friends."
Vasilia said, "Friends? An Earthman and a humaniform robot? Well, there is a match. Neither quite human."
Baley said, sharply, "Nevertheless bound by friendship. Do not, for your own sake, test the force of our--" Now it was he who paused and, as though to his own surprise, completed the sentence impossibly, "--love."
Love! I was eating crackers at the time and nearly choked. The really fabulous thing about all this is the suggestion that it's a just a short hop away from Daneel and Elijah actually being in love. After all, this is the book that introduces the phrase "robot husband" and features Elijah thinking he'd cuddle up to Daneel for comfort if only he were human. And then he pretty much does it anyway. I'm telling you, all about the love.
April 21, 2021
Me ha parecido una maravilla cómo Asimov une la Saga de los Robots y la Saga de Fundación con una simple frase. Me ha gustado mucho volver a leer sobre la psicohistoria y ver sus inicios.
Aunque Asimov escribiera este libro 30 años después del anterior, continúa con el mismo estilo de novela y con el protagonista, Elijah Baley, resolviendo casos de asesinatos por los planetas colonizados de la Galaxia. En esta ocasión el dilema a resolver tiene relación con la expansión de la Humanidad por las estrellas para crear un Imperio Galáctico y le hubiera puesto 5 estrellas como el anterior si no hubiera sido por la longitud del libro, casi el doble que los anteriores, y por lo extensos de los diálogos dando vueltas a lo mismo una y otra vez.
En cuanto a la sociedad, personajes y forma de resolver el caso: perfecto y muy entretenido hasta el final. Solamente aconsejaros que leáis en diagonal cuando repite el protagonista alguna cosa por séptima vez
Aunque Asimov escribiera este libro 30 años después del anterior, continúa con el mismo estilo de novela y con el protagonista, Elijah Baley, resolviendo casos de asesinatos por los planetas colonizados de la Galaxia. En esta ocasión el dilema a resolver tiene relación con la expansión de la Humanidad por las estrellas para crear un Imperio Galáctico y le hubiera puesto 5 estrellas como el anterior si no hubiera sido por la longitud del libro, casi el doble que los anteriores, y por lo extensos de los diálogos dando vueltas a lo mismo una y otra vez.
En cuanto a la sociedad, personajes y forma de resolver el caso: perfecto y muy entretenido hasta el final. Solamente aconsejaros que leáis en diagonal cuando repite el protagonista alguna cosa por séptima vez
March 3, 2020
Our trusty hero, Elijah Baley, has formed a small "club" of people who venture outside their cities, in order to gradually get used to the outer world with its changing meteorological conditions. Meanwhile he has also been (unsuccessfully) petitioning, to be allowed a trip to Aurora. Surprisingly, he suddenly gets his wish, due to yet another crime investigation. Unlike in the previous books though, this time he has to solve the mystery behind a "roboticide" (as opposed to homicide).
I was looking forward to finding out more about Aurora, only to... not find out much. Or if I did glean a few tidbits from here and there, the fact that they were TOLD rather than SHOWN, made everything seem rather questionable.
Dr. Han Fastolfe especially, was a constant source of irritation to me: on the one hand, his insistence on considering himself the greatest roboticist in history, and on the other hand, refusing to explain most of his actions because of the Earthmen's inferior robotic expertise. I would've welcomed an example of an actual command given to a robot, instead of the constantly annoying "I'm a roboticist, so I just KNOW how to do this better than you" attitude.
There's not much "screen time" for Daneel, who ends up spending a lot more time in his "niche in the wall", rather than actively assisting Elijah in his investigation. However their reunion at the beginning definitely made my inner yaoi fangirl squeal with delight:
... and then there was
In the end, I was delighted to discover that there were plenty of brilliant Daneel/Elijah moments (I never even considered shipping them before this book), and I quite liked Giskard too, plus the ending was rather interesting as well. Still, there was waaaaay too much philosophizing, just like in Foundation and Earth, that got boring quite fast.
============================================
review of book 0.1: I, Robot
review of book 0.2: The Rest of the Robots
review of book 1: The Caves of Steel
review of book 2: The Naked Sun
review of book 4: Robots and Empire
I was looking forward to finding out more about Aurora, only to... not find out much. Or if I did glean a few tidbits from here and there, the fact that they were TOLD rather than SHOWN, made everything seem rather questionable.
Dr. Han Fastolfe especially, was a constant source of irritation to me: on the one hand, his insistence on considering himself the greatest roboticist in history, and on the other hand, refusing to explain most of his actions because of the Earthmen's inferior robotic expertise. I would've welcomed an example of an actual command given to a robot, instead of the constantly annoying "I'm a roboticist, so I just KNOW how to do this better than you" attitude.
There's not much "screen time" for Daneel, who ends up spending a lot more time in his "niche in the wall", rather than actively assisting Elijah in his investigation. However their reunion at the beginning definitely made my inner yaoi fangirl squeal with delight:
“Jehoshaphat!” said Baley in a nearly strangled voice.
“Partner Elijah,” said the other, stepping forward, a small, grave smile on his face.
“Daneel!” cried Baley, throwing his arms around the robot and hugging tightly. “Daneel!”
... and then there was
"Yes, Dr. Vasilia. My choice in the matter -- the Earthman over you -- arises not only out of Dr. Fastolfe's instructions, but because the Earthman and I are partners in this investigation and because--" Daneel paused as though puzzled by what he was about to say, and then said it anyway, "--we are friends."
In the end, I was delighted to discover that there were plenty of brilliant Daneel/Elijah moments (I never even considered shipping them before this book), and I quite liked Giskard too, plus the ending was rather interesting as well. Still, there was waaaaay too much philosophizing, just like in Foundation and Earth, that got boring quite fast.
============================================
review of book 0.1: I, Robot
review of book 0.2: The Rest of the Robots
review of book 1: The Caves of Steel
review of book 2: The Naked Sun
review of book 4: Robots and Empire
August 1, 2023
Freaking awesome! I love the nuances in these Robot books. Lije is such a great character but so is Gladia. Wow, I can’t wait to start the last one, Robots and Empire. It was so cool that Asimov tied in the origins of psychohistory here!
I appreciated the description of Aurora here (like we got of Solaria in the previous book, The Naked Sun) and found the sexual tension between Gladia and Elijah so well done. There is a surprising amount of feminism underpinning to the story as Gladia breaks through stereotypes without breaking character.
I am seriously impressed by the quality of these robot novels so far. One to go...
I appreciated the description of Aurora here (like we got of Solaria in the previous book, The Naked Sun) and found the sexual tension between Gladia and Elijah so well done. There is a surprising amount of feminism underpinning to the story as Gladia breaks through stereotypes without breaking character.
I am seriously impressed by the quality of these robot novels so far. One to go...
August 4, 2019
«İnsana çok benzeyen robotlar yaratacaksınız. Bunlar insanlara o kadar benzeyecekler ki onlara uygun dünyalar geliştirecekler. Robot kuşakları, iki cinsten makine insanlar olacak. O zaman bu robotları insanlardan nasıl ayırt edeceksiniz?» «Bu önemli mi?»
Seri gittikçe güzelleşiyor. Asimov'un vizyonuna hayran kalıyorum her seferinde. İmparatorluk ve Vakıf serilerini daha çok merak ediyorum...
💜
Seri gittikçe güzelleşiyor. Asimov'un vizyonuna hayran kalıyorum her seferinde. İmparatorluk ve Vakıf serilerini daha çok merak ediyorum...
💜
November 28, 2021
THE GREAT COMPLETIST CHALLENGE: In which I revisit older authors and attempt to read every book they ever wrote
Currently in the challenge: Isaac Asimov's Robot/Empire/Foundation | Margaret Atwood | JG Ballard | Clive Barker | Christopher Buckley | Jim Butcher's Dresden Files | Lee Child's Jack Reacher | Philip K Dick | Ian Fleming | William Gibson | Michel Houellebecq | John Irving | Kazuo Ishiguro | Shirley Jackson | John Le Carre | Bernard Malamud | Cormac McCarthy | China Mieville | Toni Morrison | VS Naipaul | Chuck Palahniuk | Tim Powers | Terry Pratchett's Discworld | Philip Roth | Neal Stephenson | Jim Thompson | John Updike | Kurt Vonnegut | Jeanette Winterson | PG Wodehouse
After writing a series of short stories and novels in the 1950s that melded together the high technology of robotics with the social issues of literary fiction, thus ushering in the so-called "Silver Age" of science-fiction (or to use a more common term, the Mid-Century Modernist era of science-fiction), Isaac Asimov largely abandoned this entire milieu in the 1960s and '70s in order to concentrate on works that were capturing his attention more. (For those who don't know, Asimov famously published books in nine of the ten Dewey Decimal categories; he spent a large chunk of his career not writing science-fiction at all, but rather nonfiction looks at such disparate subjects as physics, chemistry, history and Bible interpretation.) In the 1980s, though, during the last decade of his life, Asimov got interested in writing a series of "bridging" novels that would tie together his three most famous series (not just the "Robot" stories, set in day-after-tomorrow times, but the "Empire" trilogy set thousands of years later, then the "Foundation" trilogy set thousands of years after that), into one unified pervasive "future history" spanning tens of thousands of years, and whose events all inform each other.
Today's book, 1983's The Robots of Dawn, was the second such novel of this new later-career stage of writing, meant to finally turn the "Robot" novels into a legitimate trilogy like the "Empire" and "Foundation" books, as well as conceptually set up a universe that eventually leads us to the status quo we see in the "Empire" books -- for while the first Robot novel is set on an overcrowded Earth whose population lives in giant underground cities and are xenophobic about robots, and the second novel set on one of the 50 "Spacer" worlds the human race has now established (sparsly populated planets where the ratio of humans to robots is one to ten thousand, and the pampered citizens are slowly bringing about their own destruction through cultural inertia), the third book is set on a planet that's trying to achieve a balance between the two, leading us to an "Empire" future in which Earthlings go out and settle thousands of planets without the help of robots at all, and the 50 original robot-heavy "Spacer" worlds are eventually forgotten to myth and legend. And like the first two Robot novels, this one is also a murder mystery, featuring the previous investigating team of crusty Earth detective Elijah Baley and Spacer humaniform robot R. Daneel Olivaw.
There's a big problem, though, with The Robots of Dawn, which mostly has to do with the fact that it's precisely meant as a bridging novel; for while Asimov clearly had no other goal for this than a short story's worth of expository information to help explain why no robots are featured in the "Empire" trilogy, and the "Spacer" worlds are never mentioned, despite them taking place chronologically after the "Robot" novels, he unfortunately signed a contract with his publisher to turn in a thick 75,000-word book that could anchor a major marketing campaign and awardbait push (which indeed worked; this won that year's Hugo and Locus Awards), and so as a result features so much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy. ("So much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy?" Baley asked again, incredulously. "So much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy!" Fastolfe again replied, exasperated.)
These bridging novels are also a great example of the dangers of reading a fiction series in the order the events take place (like I am with this newest re-read), and not in the order that the author actually wrote them; because the tone and style veer wildly all over the place when you do, with one book being a self-assured prose piece that's not trying to accomplish anything else but be an entertaining standalone story, but the next one having so much of an outside agenda that it sometimes reads more like a Wikipedia article than a novel. For example, Asimov's attempts here to inject the idea of the "Foundation" series' concept of psychohistory are done so awkwardly and hamfistedly, we might as well be back in the Star Wars prequels, watching Liam Neeson exaggeratingly say with a wink to the camera, "Annakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi!!!"; and the less said about this book's infamously logic-defying and barely explained climax, which Asimov was forced to do solely in an attempt to awkwardly explain why there's so many logistical differences between the originally unconnected "Robot," "Empire" and "Foundation" trilogies, the better.
And this is to say nothing of the fact that Asimov unwisely in the 1980s decided to keep in all the sexism and racism of his original 1950s Robot stories, a sort of unapologetically douchebaggy move that does nothing but support all the arguments being made here in our contemporary times about the legacy of exclusion and deliberate offensiveness these Silver Age authors and editors created into order to pump themselves up into legend status. For one particularly glaring example, look at Baley's continued habit here of displaying his contempt for robots by addressing them as "boy," essentially saying by extension, "Why, these robots are no more human or deserving of respect than a common Negro! A common Negro, I tell you!" This was already borderline-offensive in the '50s when he originally did it, but at least reflected the real speech that was actually being unironically used daily by millions in this time period; but given how very, very easily Asimov could've removed this aspect from the sequel written 30 years later, a time period when calling a person "boy" was now unambiguously identified as aggressively racist, for him to continue including it can be interpreted in no other way than Asimov doubling-down on his willful refusal to regard anyone else's feelings besides his fellow straight white males, exactly the kind of passive-aggressive behavior that for example led to the John W. Campbell Award having Campbell's name stripped from it earlier this year. You can see multiple examples of this tone-deafness at work here, including the early scene in which Baley's new female boss is described as being coldly defiant because of having breasts "the prominence of which she made no attempt to hide," which again is the kind of statement you could only barely get away with even back in the '50s, and by all rights has absolutely no place in a book that was published in 1983.
I loved Asimov when I was a teenager and first starting to get into adult science-fiction, and I still like him enough to bother doing this 15-book reread in the first place. But doing so here in the late 2010s has been an eye-opening experience, especially at a point like now when sci-fi has become so mainstreamed and now has the space for all kinds of different types of creators. Reading these old classics and realizing just how clunky and problematic they are makes you realize how much smaller and more insular the entire sci-fi community used to be as little as 30 years ago; and the fact that this is so easy to recognize is a good thing for all of us, because it means that sci-fi is thriving and profoundly growing as a genre, becoming the kind of complex and politically aware, multicultural, multi-generational endeavor that genre fans could've only wished for in the Mid-Century Modernist years. We have people like Asimov to thank for getting us there in the first place; but much like old Victorian novels that are peppered with the kind of casual racism that makes us gasp when now coming across it, care and attention need to be taken with sci-fi novels from the early 20th century now, with a forgiving attitude and frequent rolling of the eyes if you want a chance of enjoying them in any way whatsoever.
Isaac Asimov books being reviewed for this series: I, Robot (1950) | The Caves of Steel (1954) | The Naked Sun (1957) | The Robots of Dawn (1983) | Robots and Empire (1985) | The Stars, Like Dust (1951) | The Currents of Space (1952) | Pebble in the Sky (1950) | Prelude to Foundation (1988) | Forward the Foundation (1993) | Foundation (1951) | Foundation and Empire (1952) | Second Foundation (1953) | Foundation's Edge (1982) | Foundation and Earth (1986)
Currently in the challenge: Isaac Asimov's Robot/Empire/Foundation | Margaret Atwood | JG Ballard | Clive Barker | Christopher Buckley | Jim Butcher's Dresden Files | Lee Child's Jack Reacher | Philip K Dick | Ian Fleming | William Gibson | Michel Houellebecq | John Irving | Kazuo Ishiguro | Shirley Jackson | John Le Carre | Bernard Malamud | Cormac McCarthy | China Mieville | Toni Morrison | VS Naipaul | Chuck Palahniuk | Tim Powers | Terry Pratchett's Discworld | Philip Roth | Neal Stephenson | Jim Thompson | John Updike | Kurt Vonnegut | Jeanette Winterson | PG Wodehouse
After writing a series of short stories and novels in the 1950s that melded together the high technology of robotics with the social issues of literary fiction, thus ushering in the so-called "Silver Age" of science-fiction (or to use a more common term, the Mid-Century Modernist era of science-fiction), Isaac Asimov largely abandoned this entire milieu in the 1960s and '70s in order to concentrate on works that were capturing his attention more. (For those who don't know, Asimov famously published books in nine of the ten Dewey Decimal categories; he spent a large chunk of his career not writing science-fiction at all, but rather nonfiction looks at such disparate subjects as physics, chemistry, history and Bible interpretation.) In the 1980s, though, during the last decade of his life, Asimov got interested in writing a series of "bridging" novels that would tie together his three most famous series (not just the "Robot" stories, set in day-after-tomorrow times, but the "Empire" trilogy set thousands of years later, then the "Foundation" trilogy set thousands of years after that), into one unified pervasive "future history" spanning tens of thousands of years, and whose events all inform each other.
Today's book, 1983's The Robots of Dawn, was the second such novel of this new later-career stage of writing, meant to finally turn the "Robot" novels into a legitimate trilogy like the "Empire" and "Foundation" books, as well as conceptually set up a universe that eventually leads us to the status quo we see in the "Empire" books -- for while the first Robot novel is set on an overcrowded Earth whose population lives in giant underground cities and are xenophobic about robots, and the second novel set on one of the 50 "Spacer" worlds the human race has now established (sparsly populated planets where the ratio of humans to robots is one to ten thousand, and the pampered citizens are slowly bringing about their own destruction through cultural inertia), the third book is set on a planet that's trying to achieve a balance between the two, leading us to an "Empire" future in which Earthlings go out and settle thousands of planets without the help of robots at all, and the 50 original robot-heavy "Spacer" worlds are eventually forgotten to myth and legend. And like the first two Robot novels, this one is also a murder mystery, featuring the previous investigating team of crusty Earth detective Elijah Baley and Spacer humaniform robot R. Daneel Olivaw.
There's a big problem, though, with The Robots of Dawn, which mostly has to do with the fact that it's precisely meant as a bridging novel; for while Asimov clearly had no other goal for this than a short story's worth of expository information to help explain why no robots are featured in the "Empire" trilogy, and the "Spacer" worlds are never mentioned, despite them taking place chronologically after the "Robot" novels, he unfortunately signed a contract with his publisher to turn in a thick 75,000-word book that could anchor a major marketing campaign and awardbait push (which indeed worked; this won that year's Hugo and Locus Awards), and so as a result features so much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy. ("So much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy?" Baley asked again, incredulously. "So much brain-numbingly mundane and elliptically looping dialogue as to drive most readers freaking crazy!" Fastolfe again replied, exasperated.)
These bridging novels are also a great example of the dangers of reading a fiction series in the order the events take place (like I am with this newest re-read), and not in the order that the author actually wrote them; because the tone and style veer wildly all over the place when you do, with one book being a self-assured prose piece that's not trying to accomplish anything else but be an entertaining standalone story, but the next one having so much of an outside agenda that it sometimes reads more like a Wikipedia article than a novel. For example, Asimov's attempts here to inject the idea of the "Foundation" series' concept of psychohistory are done so awkwardly and hamfistedly, we might as well be back in the Star Wars prequels, watching Liam Neeson exaggeratingly say with a wink to the camera, "Annakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi!!!"; and the less said about this book's infamously logic-defying and barely explained climax, which Asimov was forced to do solely in an attempt to awkwardly explain why there's so many logistical differences between the originally unconnected "Robot," "Empire" and "Foundation" trilogies, the better.
And this is to say nothing of the fact that Asimov unwisely in the 1980s decided to keep in all the sexism and racism of his original 1950s Robot stories, a sort of unapologetically douchebaggy move that does nothing but support all the arguments being made here in our contemporary times about the legacy of exclusion and deliberate offensiveness these Silver Age authors and editors created into order to pump themselves up into legend status. For one particularly glaring example, look at Baley's continued habit here of displaying his contempt for robots by addressing them as "boy," essentially saying by extension, "Why, these robots are no more human or deserving of respect than a common Negro! A common Negro, I tell you!" This was already borderline-offensive in the '50s when he originally did it, but at least reflected the real speech that was actually being unironically used daily by millions in this time period; but given how very, very easily Asimov could've removed this aspect from the sequel written 30 years later, a time period when calling a person "boy" was now unambiguously identified as aggressively racist, for him to continue including it can be interpreted in no other way than Asimov doubling-down on his willful refusal to regard anyone else's feelings besides his fellow straight white males, exactly the kind of passive-aggressive behavior that for example led to the John W. Campbell Award having Campbell's name stripped from it earlier this year. You can see multiple examples of this tone-deafness at work here, including the early scene in which Baley's new female boss is described as being coldly defiant because of having breasts "the prominence of which she made no attempt to hide," which again is the kind of statement you could only barely get away with even back in the '50s, and by all rights has absolutely no place in a book that was published in 1983.
I loved Asimov when I was a teenager and first starting to get into adult science-fiction, and I still like him enough to bother doing this 15-book reread in the first place. But doing so here in the late 2010s has been an eye-opening experience, especially at a point like now when sci-fi has become so mainstreamed and now has the space for all kinds of different types of creators. Reading these old classics and realizing just how clunky and problematic they are makes you realize how much smaller and more insular the entire sci-fi community used to be as little as 30 years ago; and the fact that this is so easy to recognize is a good thing for all of us, because it means that sci-fi is thriving and profoundly growing as a genre, becoming the kind of complex and politically aware, multicultural, multi-generational endeavor that genre fans could've only wished for in the Mid-Century Modernist years. We have people like Asimov to thank for getting us there in the first place; but much like old Victorian novels that are peppered with the kind of casual racism that makes us gasp when now coming across it, care and attention need to be taken with sci-fi novels from the early 20th century now, with a forgiving attitude and frequent rolling of the eyes if you want a chance of enjoying them in any way whatsoever.
Isaac Asimov books being reviewed for this series: I, Robot (1950) | The Caves of Steel (1954) | The Naked Sun (1957) | The Robots of Dawn (1983) | Robots and Empire (1985) | The Stars, Like Dust (1951) | The Currents of Space (1952) | Pebble in the Sky (1950) | Prelude to Foundation (1988) | Forward the Foundation (1993) | Foundation (1951) | Foundation and Empire (1952) | Second Foundation (1953) | Foundation's Edge (1982) | Foundation and Earth (1986)
May 3, 2020
Notwithstanding and acknowledging the author's indecencies during his life time, I found it hard to stay away from his works since they could be really, really good. His crisp, plot-driven, non-flowery delivery suits me really well. His books, like this one, are enjoyable thought exercise.
The story is about a murder investigation so you could expect there are lots of questionings and speculating. Yet, each tête-à-tête was riveting, kept me glued for more than 400 pages of them. I might have some issues on some of the ways the female characters were represented (they're almost too broken and could use a little more agency, especially Gladia). Yet, the whodunnit plot and its encompassing world, evolving around the relationship between humans in different worlds, between humans and robots, and last but not least, the use of humaniform robots to colonize new worlds, were just mind-blowing.
I'd love to see how Baley and Daneel would turn out if they're living together. Baley's attitude had completely changed compared to when he first met Daneel in The Caves of Steel. I just had to laugh reading Baley's thoughts and outward declaration about Daneel in this book.
Anyway, while I feel a bit guilty for liking it, I do plan to continue to the next book. The ending itself, that ultimate conversation, might have made decide to reread Foundation.
The story is about a murder investigation so you could expect there are lots of questionings and speculating. Yet, each tête-à-tête was riveting, kept me glued for more than 400 pages of them. I might have some issues on some of the ways the female characters were represented (they're almost too broken and could use a little more agency, especially Gladia). Yet, the whodunnit plot and its encompassing world, evolving around the relationship between humans in different worlds, between humans and robots, and last but not least, the use of humaniform robots to colonize new worlds, were just mind-blowing.
I'd love to see how Baley and Daneel would turn out if they're living together. Baley's attitude had completely changed compared to when he first met Daneel in The Caves of Steel. I just had to laugh reading Baley's thoughts and outward declaration about Daneel in this book.
Anyway, while I feel a bit guilty for liking it, I do plan to continue to the next book. The ending itself, that ultimate conversation, might have made decide to reread Foundation.
February 27, 2021
The third case of Earther detective Elijah Baley and R(obot) Daneel Olivaw.
This, time, Baley isforced asked to go to the Spacer colony Aurora after someone has messed with / destroyed a robot's positronic brain. Why is he sent? Well, he's got a reputation by now, many Spacers actually trust him, and the supposed guilty party is none other than Han Fastolfe, the inventor of the robot in question. Fastolfe had dealt with Baley before and is a member of Aurora's political system who's actually amicable towards Earth and its right to share in the galactic colonization. So yeah, politics again.
But back to the case. Coincidentally (or is it?), the last owner of the destroyed robot is the widow from the last case. Shenanigans ensue, police work is being carried out, and things start getting really complicated because Earth's rules once again don't apply on this distant planet which means that Baley has to get creative in order to be able to prove who actually destroyed the robot.
The case, really, wasn't all that gripping. And once one knows all the players, it takes about 3 seconds to work out who did it. No, front and center in this book was the mention of psychohistory and further strong nods to Asimov's later Foundation cycle as well as the role robots would play in humanity's future. How the case ends was only important for political reasons, which then play an important role in the direction humanity is taking.
Because it turns out that neither the Earther nor the Spacer way, isolated, will work in securing a future for mankind.
Honestly though? While this was interesting, it was my least favorite of the cases. For starters, it was too long. The back-and-forth of the interviews could have been streamlined. One of the strength of many of Asimov's stories is how short and to the point they are, after all.
Still, the worldbuilding is superb in this as well and the writing style always feels cozy and like coming home so I still enjoyed this a lot.
This, time, Baley is
But back to the case. Coincidentally (or is it?), the last owner of the destroyed robot is the widow from the last case. Shenanigans ensue, police work is being carried out, and things start getting really complicated because Earth's rules once again don't apply on this distant planet which means that Baley has to get creative in order to be able to prove who actually destroyed the robot.
The case, really, wasn't all that gripping. And once one knows all the players, it takes about 3 seconds to work out who did it. No, front and center in this book was the mention of psychohistory and further strong nods to Asimov's later Foundation cycle as well as the role robots would play in humanity's future. How the case ends was only important for political reasons, which then play an important role in the direction humanity is taking.
Because it turns out that neither the Earther nor the Spacer way, isolated, will work in securing a future for mankind.
Honestly though? While this was interesting, it was my least favorite of the cases. For starters, it was too long. The back-and-forth of the interviews could have been streamlined. One of the strength of many of Asimov's stories is how short and to the point they are, after all.
Still, the worldbuilding is superb in this as well and the writing style always feels cozy and like coming home so I still enjoyed this a lot.
April 14, 2023
Terzo capitolo del ciclo dei robot, dopo il racconto Immagine speculare.
Il secondo romanzo era stato pubblicato nel 1957 e gli appassionati della serie, speravano nella pubblicazione di un nuovo romanzo. Come racconta lo stesso Asimov, dopo la pubblicazione del racconto, egli venne letteralmente sommerso dalle lettere dei suoi fan, i quali, per la maggior parte, in sintesi dicevano: "Grazie, ma noi vogliamo un altro romanzo"! [wikipedia]
E così è stato.
Prima di affrontarlo consiglio vivamente di leggere i racconti:
- Immagine speculare
- L'uomo bicentenario
- Bugiardo!
- soddisfazione garantita
e almeno il primo libro delle fondazioni, considerato che in alcuni punti viene affrontato, seppur brevemente, il tema della psicostoria.
Finora è stato il mio preferito.
Il secondo romanzo era stato pubblicato nel 1957 e gli appassionati della serie, speravano nella pubblicazione di un nuovo romanzo. Come racconta lo stesso Asimov, dopo la pubblicazione del racconto, egli venne letteralmente sommerso dalle lettere dei suoi fan, i quali, per la maggior parte, in sintesi dicevano: "Grazie, ma noi vogliamo un altro romanzo"! [wikipedia]
E così è stato.
Prima di affrontarlo consiglio vivamente di leggere i racconti:
- Immagine speculare
- L'uomo bicentenario
- Bugiardo!
- soddisfazione garantita
e almeno il primo libro delle fondazioni, considerato che in alcuni punti viene affrontato, seppur brevemente, il tema della psicostoria.
Finora è stato il mio preferito.
July 3, 2013
Okay, so star rating==not always indicative of book quality with me, but before you say I am unfairing this review, let me explain you a thing: (( SPOILERS TO FOLLOW ))
My god, I adore robots interacting with people. My god. I am sure none of you could tell this about me at all because I am clearly quite subtle about it, but I have always been delighted to read about closeness between humans and nonhumans. I love the way it makes me think about how logic and reason works in different people as well as different cultures and backgrounds. I enjoy thinking about relationships with people being more than just the sum of person-to-person, but person to object, person to space, person to idea, person to symbol, etc, and I find that the unique mindset of a robot (sounds weird, I know) really aids me in understanding more about these differences in view or expectation.
Asimov's books are great for that and although he is rather good at illuminating these other types of relationships or engagements, he is not the best writer of relationships in the male-to-female realm...so here's where the first statement I made comes in: Asimov is far better at writing the chemistry and dynamics between Baley and Daneel, Baley and Giskard, Baley and Solaria, Baley and Aurora, Baley and Dr. Fastolfe, Baley and food, Baley and a bathroom, Baley and...
...well, you get the idea.
Asimov had great ideas and a rather lovely way of exploring them, but for some reason, the realm of romantic relationships between men and women seems to be a huge roadblock to enjoying this book, both in myself as a reader and in Asimov in his ability to let the story flow. The relationship between Baley and Gladia is carried out in a way that is cringeworthy at worst and completely stilted and baffling at best. The way he writes their fling seems carefully constructed in its intent to make Baley the Mr. Man hero of the piece even more, but it kinda falls flat. I actually laughed out loud in their final parting with the melodramatic utterances of "...my love..." after Baley was so flighty about their morning after dinner. I didn't really see the relationship developing to a point that ever really made sense, so I was even more amused to see that, just like the mystery itself, Asimov had Gladia explain step by step what happened and how she was lead to giving Baley the ol' nightshift nurse routine. How romantic! :P
I've got to say, I adore the way he writes the interactions between Baley and /literally everyone else/ in this novel, though. I'm kinda loving the way Dr. F screws with Baley for his own "research", and, of course, all that this entails with our dear R. Giskard at the end. It makes for cute Sci-Fi schmaltz, but I enjoy it all so very much.
Aaaaaaaaand as for Daneel, the faithful android partner?
...you keep standin' by your hu-man, bro. Keep being his android seatbelt and shrink. Mad respect, Mr. Olivaw. Mad. Respect. :)
My god, I adore robots interacting with people. My god. I am sure none of you could tell this about me at all because I am clearly quite subtle about it, but I have always been delighted to read about closeness between humans and nonhumans. I love the way it makes me think about how logic and reason works in different people as well as different cultures and backgrounds. I enjoy thinking about relationships with people being more than just the sum of person-to-person, but person to object, person to space, person to idea, person to symbol, etc, and I find that the unique mindset of a robot (sounds weird, I know) really aids me in understanding more about these differences in view or expectation.
Asimov's books are great for that and although he is rather good at illuminating these other types of relationships or engagements, he is not the best writer of relationships in the male-to-female realm...so here's where the first statement I made comes in: Asimov is far better at writing the chemistry and dynamics between Baley and Daneel, Baley and Giskard, Baley and Solaria, Baley and Aurora, Baley and Dr. Fastolfe, Baley and food, Baley and a bathroom, Baley and...
...well, you get the idea.
Asimov had great ideas and a rather lovely way of exploring them, but for some reason, the realm of romantic relationships between men and women seems to be a huge roadblock to enjoying this book, both in myself as a reader and in Asimov in his ability to let the story flow. The relationship between Baley and Gladia is carried out in a way that is cringeworthy at worst and completely stilted and baffling at best. The way he writes their fling seems carefully constructed in its intent to make Baley the Mr. Man hero of the piece even more, but it kinda falls flat. I actually laughed out loud in their final parting with the melodramatic utterances of "...my love..." after Baley was so flighty about their morning after dinner. I didn't really see the relationship developing to a point that ever really made sense, so I was even more amused to see that, just like the mystery itself, Asimov had Gladia explain step by step what happened and how she was lead to giving Baley the ol' nightshift nurse routine. How romantic! :P
I've got to say, I adore the way he writes the interactions between Baley and /literally everyone else/ in this novel, though. I'm kinda loving the way Dr. F screws with Baley for his own "research", and, of course, all that this entails with our dear R. Giskard at the end. It makes for cute Sci-Fi schmaltz, but I enjoy it all so very much.
Aaaaaaaaand as for Daneel, the faithful android partner?
...you keep standin' by your hu-man, bro. Keep being his android seatbelt and shrink. Mad respect, Mr. Olivaw. Mad. Respect. :)
August 13, 2018
Roboti Zore je svakako zrelija knjiga u odnosu na svoje predhonike Celicne Pecine i Golo Sunce. Odmah se oseti da je dosta kasnije pisana i da Asimov recima barata sa vise iskustva. Medjutim sama knjiga nije mnogo bolja niti grandioznija sto se samog zapleta i finisa tice. Ali svakako da prija sto se kroz nju svakom stranicom sve vise priblizavamo Glaktickom Carstvu. Tako da je sledeca stanica na ovom epskom SF proputovanju knjiga ROBOTI I CARSTVO...
July 19, 2016
You know even if this novel wasn't as a great read as it happened to be, it would have deserved five stars on the merit of that last chapter alone. The ending of this novel was absolutely brilliant. Not only that I didn't see it coming, I didn't expect anything of the kind. It was such a worthy ending to the series! Talk about finishing with style! Still, let's get back to the beginning, shall we? This is the final novel in Asimov’s Robot series and it happens to be my favourite one. I liked the way it was formatted as a murder mystery and I think it didn’t make this novel any less profound. The murder plot was exceptionally well written so not surprisingly it kept me pretty interested, but it didn’t take my attention from what I enjoyed most about this novel and that was its examination of what it is to be human. Moreover, this novel made me think about a great deal of things and I always love novels that do that. Surely such an intelligent and perfectly plotted novel you cannot find every day!
The story is such a great read. Both a murder mystery and a profound examination of what it essentially means to be human. Its protagonists, a detective and his robot friend, get reunited to work on a case together. Solving this case is very important for more reasons than one… let’s just say they are both very motivated to do so because it will have a lasting effect on human society as such. While they are trying to solve the robocite case, Asimov paints for us a fantastically detailed account of a future society. Some details may feel a bit dated to a modern reader, but only a bit, because Asimov really had a knack for predicting possible future uses of technology. Well, when you’re a scientist yourself (as he was), it must be easier to get the science part right. However, I don’t think that science plays as an important part in this novel as in some of his other works.
The protagonists of this novel appeared in the series before, so if you read any of the earlier ones, you’ll be happy to see more of them. Nevertheless, I think it could be said that this novel can be read on its own. Sure, there are references to earlier works, but they are not relevant for understanding the story. Even if you hadn’t read any Asimov prior to this, you won’t have any problems following this story or understanding the relationship between its protagonists.
One of the things that I personally enjoyed a lot was the way the author showed how the society we grow up influences us. That was especially the case on the example of a pretty well developed female character. She was raised up differently than others and hence has problems fitting in. This novel made me consider about the role that a society plays a part in how we find our romantic interesting or how and even why we establish relationship with others. For those of you who like that nurture vs. nature debate, this will be a fascinating read.
Another thing I immensely liked were the dialogues. Asimov tends to write didactic and long dialogues, that still feel credible and naturally. In this sense, Robots of Dawn is no exception. Furthermore, dialogues play an important part in this novel because it is through them that we find out not only what the characters are thinking, but what their intentions might be. If you like deductive and logical writing, this is something you might enjoy. The detective in this novel is a well portrayed and his thinking process is an interesting one to follow.
To whom I would recommend this novel besides fans of science fiction and detective stories? To those who enjoy clean and intelligent writing. I think that fans of dystopian literature might find this one interesting as well. Dystopian is sometimes used as a synonym for SF and while I wouldn’t agree with that, I think Asimov’s works are something that a fans of dystopian literature would enjoy as well. Why? Because the way he crafts his future worlds goes into exploration what we are as human beings and it even predicts of what we might be capable of it. Moreover, I do believe this novel isn’t only about some society in the future but it very much about our own society, an examination of our own weaknesses and strengths, a novel that tell us something of who we are as humans. In that sense, I think Roberts of Dawn is still a very relevant novel.
To sum up, this novel fulfils the full potential of science fiction literature and it is among the best things written in the genre. That’s my personal opinion and I would like to add that this happens to be the best novel by Isaac Asimov that I have read so far. I was utterly amazed by it. I do like Asimov as a writer and I’ve been into SF since my adolescence. Nevertheless, The Robots of Dawn felt like something different, not in a way that it didn’t contain those elements that I usually like in Asimov’s book, but in a sense that it contained them in a more perfect balance. It was just perfect. It dealt with so much, from politics to social customs, it had characters that appealed to me, it worked perfectly on so many levels and it had a fantastic ending. I can't praise it enough.
The story is such a great read. Both a murder mystery and a profound examination of what it essentially means to be human. Its protagonists, a detective and his robot friend, get reunited to work on a case together. Solving this case is very important for more reasons than one… let’s just say they are both very motivated to do so because it will have a lasting effect on human society as such. While they are trying to solve the robocite case, Asimov paints for us a fantastically detailed account of a future society. Some details may feel a bit dated to a modern reader, but only a bit, because Asimov really had a knack for predicting possible future uses of technology. Well, when you’re a scientist yourself (as he was), it must be easier to get the science part right. However, I don’t think that science plays as an important part in this novel as in some of his other works.
The protagonists of this novel appeared in the series before, so if you read any of the earlier ones, you’ll be happy to see more of them. Nevertheless, I think it could be said that this novel can be read on its own. Sure, there are references to earlier works, but they are not relevant for understanding the story. Even if you hadn’t read any Asimov prior to this, you won’t have any problems following this story or understanding the relationship between its protagonists.
One of the things that I personally enjoyed a lot was the way the author showed how the society we grow up influences us. That was especially the case on the example of a pretty well developed female character. She was raised up differently than others and hence has problems fitting in. This novel made me consider about the role that a society plays a part in how we find our romantic interesting or how and even why we establish relationship with others. For those of you who like that nurture vs. nature debate, this will be a fascinating read.
Another thing I immensely liked were the dialogues. Asimov tends to write didactic and long dialogues, that still feel credible and naturally. In this sense, Robots of Dawn is no exception. Furthermore, dialogues play an important part in this novel because it is through them that we find out not only what the characters are thinking, but what their intentions might be. If you like deductive and logical writing, this is something you might enjoy. The detective in this novel is a well portrayed and his thinking process is an interesting one to follow.
To whom I would recommend this novel besides fans of science fiction and detective stories? To those who enjoy clean and intelligent writing. I think that fans of dystopian literature might find this one interesting as well. Dystopian is sometimes used as a synonym for SF and while I wouldn’t agree with that, I think Asimov’s works are something that a fans of dystopian literature would enjoy as well. Why? Because the way he crafts his future worlds goes into exploration what we are as human beings and it even predicts of what we might be capable of it. Moreover, I do believe this novel isn’t only about some society in the future but it very much about our own society, an examination of our own weaknesses and strengths, a novel that tell us something of who we are as humans. In that sense, I think Roberts of Dawn is still a very relevant novel.
To sum up, this novel fulfils the full potential of science fiction literature and it is among the best things written in the genre. That’s my personal opinion and I would like to add that this happens to be the best novel by Isaac Asimov that I have read so far. I was utterly amazed by it. I do like Asimov as a writer and I’ve been into SF since my adolescence. Nevertheless, The Robots of Dawn felt like something different, not in a way that it didn’t contain those elements that I usually like in Asimov’s book, but in a sense that it contained them in a more perfect balance. It was just perfect. It dealt with so much, from politics to social customs, it had characters that appealed to me, it worked perfectly on so many levels and it had a fantastic ending. I can't praise it enough.
July 25, 2021
Terzo appuntamento con i romanzi sui robot. Asimov continua a tessere la sua tela narrativa, andando sempre più fondo con le tematiche a lui care, come lo sviluppo della società, in un futuro lontano, ma così tangibile.
Come riesce a sviluppare una trama Asimov, all'apparenza "gialla", con dei presupposti "gialli", ma che alla fine non sono altro che un pretesto per scandagliare l'animo umano in rapporto con i robot, nessuno mai. La tecnologia è così avanzata, che non si riesce a capire più il limite tra l'uomo ed il robot, ma...
Un altro ottimo libro dell'autore, che continua a sorprendermi ad ogni sua opera che leggo. L'unica pecca, in questo romanzo, è che nella parte centrale si dilunga un po' troppo nell'investigazione sul delitto, che non apporta nulla in più alla storia. L'intreccio dei personaggi invece è straordinario, così come la descrizione dei vari Mondi Spaziali!
Il pubblico in generale ha le sue priorità, ed è più interessato al prossimo pranzo, al prossimo spettacolo trivì, al prossimo incontro di calcio spaziale, piuttosto che al prossimo secolo o al prossimo millennio. Comunque, il pubblico in generale sarà altrettanto contento di accettare i miei piani quanto gli intellettuali che già li conoscono. Quelli contrari, saranno una minoranza priva di influenza.
I Terrestri vivono al riparo di mura da cui trovano difficile uscire, ma mi era chiaro che anche gli Auroriani vivono dietro delle mura.
Sono mura fatte di robot, che li proteggono da tutte le vicissitudini della vita[...] Gli Auroriani vivono anche dietro altre mura, quelle create dalle loro vite lunghissime, che li obbligano a sopravvalutare l'individualità e impediscono loro di unire gli sforzi scientifici[..] Le mura dei Terrestri sono materiali, visibili, perciò la loro esistenza è evidente, e c'è sempre qualcuno che desidera uscirne. Le mura di Aurora sono immateriali, e non sono riconosciute come tali, per cui nessuno si sogna neppure di fuggirne.
Come riesce a sviluppare una trama Asimov, all'apparenza "gialla", con dei presupposti "gialli", ma che alla fine non sono altro che un pretesto per scandagliare l'animo umano in rapporto con i robot, nessuno mai. La tecnologia è così avanzata, che non si riesce a capire più il limite tra l'uomo ed il robot, ma...
Un altro ottimo libro dell'autore, che continua a sorprendermi ad ogni sua opera che leggo. L'unica pecca, in questo romanzo, è che nella parte centrale si dilunga un po' troppo nell'investigazione sul delitto, che non apporta nulla in più alla storia. L'intreccio dei personaggi invece è straordinario, così come la descrizione dei vari Mondi Spaziali!
Il pubblico in generale ha le sue priorità, ed è più interessato al prossimo pranzo, al prossimo spettacolo trivì, al prossimo incontro di calcio spaziale, piuttosto che al prossimo secolo o al prossimo millennio. Comunque, il pubblico in generale sarà altrettanto contento di accettare i miei piani quanto gli intellettuali che già li conoscono. Quelli contrari, saranno una minoranza priva di influenza.
I Terrestri vivono al riparo di mura da cui trovano difficile uscire, ma mi era chiaro che anche gli Auroriani vivono dietro delle mura.
Sono mura fatte di robot, che li proteggono da tutte le vicissitudini della vita[...] Gli Auroriani vivono anche dietro altre mura, quelle create dalle loro vite lunghissime, che li obbligano a sopravvalutare l'individualità e impediscono loro di unire gli sforzi scientifici[..] Le mura dei Terrestri sono materiali, visibili, perciò la loro esistenza è evidente, e c'è sempre qualcuno che desidera uscirne. Le mura di Aurora sono immateriali, e non sono riconosciute come tali, per cui nessuno si sogna neppure di fuggirne.
August 28, 2020
Tercera aventura de Elijah Baley en la Saga de los Robots. Como en las dos novelas anteriores Bóvedas de acero y El sol desnudo, tendrá que investigar un crimen con la ayuda del androide R. Daneel Olivaw, con el que se reencuentra después de dos años. En esta ocasión se desplazan al planeta Aurora para encontrar al autor del asesinato – en realidad destrucción del cerebro positrónico – de un androide que es del mismo tipo que Daneel. Como en las anteriores, esta investigación tiene implicaciones políticas y de ella depende hasta cierto punto el futuro de la Tierra y su relación con los mundos exteriores.
Esta obra fue publicada en 1983, cuando habían transcurrido 27 años de la publicación de El sol desnudo. Tiene el doble de extensión que las anteriores y la intención de Asimov es enlazar ésta con la serie de la Fundación, intento que culminará en su siguiente entrega Robots e Imperio.
Aunque también contiene muchas ideas interesantes, la lectura se me hizo algo árida y quizá es más recomendable sólo para fans incondicionales del universo Asimov que las anteriores.
A destacar el protagonismo de los personajes femeninos, especialmente de Gladia Delmarre, que ya conocíamos de la aventura anterior en el planeta Solaria.
Para una reseña más completa:
http://universodecienciaficcion.blogs...
Esta obra fue publicada en 1983, cuando habían transcurrido 27 años de la publicación de El sol desnudo. Tiene el doble de extensión que las anteriores y la intención de Asimov es enlazar ésta con la serie de la Fundación, intento que culminará en su siguiente entrega Robots e Imperio.
Aunque también contiene muchas ideas interesantes, la lectura se me hizo algo árida y quizá es más recomendable sólo para fans incondicionales del universo Asimov que las anteriores.
A destacar el protagonismo de los personajes femeninos, especialmente de Gladia Delmarre, que ya conocíamos de la aventura anterior en el planeta Solaria.
Para una reseña más completa:
http://universodecienciaficcion.blogs...
April 13, 2010
4.0 stars. I really enjoy the Robot novels by Asimov. He is a master at creating larger than life characters and then making you care about what happens to them. This story begins the bridge between Asimov's Robot novels and the Foundation series. Highly Recommended!!
Nominee: Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (1984)
Nominee: Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (1984)
Nominee: Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (1984)
Nominee: Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (1984)
April 25, 2019
Novela de robots y policial. Que más pedir.
Asimov y las tres leyes de la robótica. Que festín para quienes disfrutamos de la novela policial y nos gusta la sci-fi. (aunque este género cada vez menos, uno va cambiando)
Si te suenan los nombres Detective Elijah Baley y R. Daneel Olivaw, no tengo más nada que decir.
Asimov y las tres leyes de la robótica. Que festín para quienes disfrutamos de la novela policial y nos gusta la sci-fi. (aunque este género cada vez menos, uno va cambiando)
Si te suenan los nombres Detective Elijah Baley y R. Daneel Olivaw, no tengo más nada que decir.
July 29, 2021
Terzo capitolo dei romanzi del ciclo dei robot. Un altro bellissimo libro di Asimov. Ha la capacità di descrivere semplicemente e comprensibilmente concetti fuori dalla logica umana e di applicarli rigidamente a delle macchine, i robot umanoidi o quasi che sono così simili all’uomo da inquietare parecchio. Poco importa che debbano obbedire alla prima legge della robotica (non danneggiare in alcun modo un essere umano), è ugualmente inquietante.
Siamo sulla Terra e troviamo Elijah Baley in compagnia di suo figlio all’esterno della città! Incredibili passi avanti da parte di un uomo che fino a poco tempo prima non aveva mai lasciato la sicurezza della città sovraffollata. Ma sta preparando se stesso e soprattutto suo figlio alla probabilità di conquistare e colonizzare nuovi pianeti.
Viene chiamato con urgenza al quartier generale dove una sua superiore gli comunica che è stata richiesta la sua presenza sul pianeta Aurora, il più importante e il più influente pianeta degli “spaziali”. La richiesta maschera un tentativo politico di screditare la Terra e i suoi abitanti come futuri colonizzatori (dimenticandosi volutamente che gli altri pianeti furono colonizzati proprio dai terrestri). Il dottor Fastolfe viene accusato (e anche lui riconosce che poteva essere l’unico in grado di farlo) di aver spento, ucciso il robot Jander Panell, il robot che con Daneel Olivaw rappresenta il suo più grande successo, ovvero rendere i robot così simili all’uomo da dimenticarsi che sono robot. Sarà Daneel insieme a un altro robot Giskard Reventlov, apparentemente meno sofisticato, a portarlo su Aurora. Aurora ovviamente creerà qualche problema di agorafobia al nostro eroe, così come la presenza di Gladia, la solariana che conobbe e aiutò nel precedente capitolo. La parte investigativa è piuttosto lenta, ma la si legge con piacere perché è infarcita di vita sul pianeta, ovvero di tutte le difficoltà oggettive o psicologiche che Elijah incontra nella vita quotidiana nel pianeta Aurora. E, come il celebre Poirot della regina del giallo Agatha Christie, Elijah mette in moto le sue meravigliose celluline grigie e risolve anche questo caso interplanetario con gran successo e con colpi di scena inquietanti e sconvolgenti! La politica è uguale in ogni pianeta!
Siamo sulla Terra e troviamo Elijah Baley in compagnia di suo figlio all’esterno della città! Incredibili passi avanti da parte di un uomo che fino a poco tempo prima non aveva mai lasciato la sicurezza della città sovraffollata. Ma sta preparando se stesso e soprattutto suo figlio alla probabilità di conquistare e colonizzare nuovi pianeti.
Viene chiamato con urgenza al quartier generale dove una sua superiore gli comunica che è stata richiesta la sua presenza sul pianeta Aurora, il più importante e il più influente pianeta degli “spaziali”. La richiesta maschera un tentativo politico di screditare la Terra e i suoi abitanti come futuri colonizzatori (dimenticandosi volutamente che gli altri pianeti furono colonizzati proprio dai terrestri). Il dottor Fastolfe viene accusato (e anche lui riconosce che poteva essere l’unico in grado di farlo) di aver spento, ucciso il robot Jander Panell, il robot che con Daneel Olivaw rappresenta il suo più grande successo, ovvero rendere i robot così simili all’uomo da dimenticarsi che sono robot. Sarà Daneel insieme a un altro robot Giskard Reventlov, apparentemente meno sofisticato, a portarlo su Aurora. Aurora ovviamente creerà qualche problema di agorafobia al nostro eroe, così come la presenza di Gladia, la solariana che conobbe e aiutò nel precedente capitolo. La parte investigativa è piuttosto lenta, ma la si legge con piacere perché è infarcita di vita sul pianeta, ovvero di tutte le difficoltà oggettive o psicologiche che Elijah incontra nella vita quotidiana nel pianeta Aurora. E, come il celebre Poirot della regina del giallo Agatha Christie, Elijah mette in moto le sue meravigliose celluline grigie e risolve anche questo caso interplanetario con gran successo e con colpi di scena inquietanti e sconvolgenti! La politica è uguale in ogni pianeta!
March 30, 2020
«Anche se la gente applica questa definizione ad Aurora, d'ora in poi sarà la Terra il vero Mondo dell'Alba.»
Gli ultimi capitoli de I robot dell'alba sono una delle cose migliori che abbia mai avuto il privilegio di leggere.
Lo svolgimento di questa storia è così raffinato, così preciso. Resto sorpresa ogni volta che ci ripenso.
E i suoi personaggi sono talmente realistici da sembrare quasi finti. I robot stessi hanno più spessore psicologico che certe persone in carne e ossa di mia conoscenza.
Detto ciò (se mi verranno in mente lodi più specifiche e rilevanti, ve lo farò subito sapere), devo avvertirvi che le cinque parole che seguiranno fanno pressione per uscire dal mio saturo cuoricino, e pertanto devo esprimerle, tuttavia si dà il caso che contengano un alto potenziale di SPOILER. Dunque, fermatevi qui se non volete neppure un indizio sul finale.
Gli ultimi capitoli de I robot dell'alba sono una delle cose migliori che abbia mai avuto il privilegio di leggere.
Lo svolgimento di questa storia è così raffinato, così preciso. Resto sorpresa ogni volta che ci ripenso.
E i suoi personaggi sono talmente realistici da sembrare quasi finti. I robot stessi hanno più spessore psicologico che certe persone in carne e ossa di mia conoscenza.
Detto ciò (se mi verranno in mente lodi più specifiche e rilevanti, ve lo farò subito sapere), devo avvertirvi che le cinque parole che seguiranno fanno pressione per uscire dal mio saturo cuoricino, e pertanto devo esprimerle, tuttavia si dà il caso che contengano un alto potenziale di SPOILER. Dunque, fermatevi qui se non volete neppure un indizio sul finale.
December 31, 2020
Even more incredible than the first time I read it.
September 3, 2023
I read this one forty years ago, yet I still think of it as "the new robot mystery"! It had been thirty years since the original Baley/Olivaw mysteries were published, two of the most highly regarded classics at the time, but Asimov succeeded in writing another engaging mystery story in a science fiction setting (and vice versa!), while also updating his fictional universe both technologically and culturally with well-drawn and realistic female characters. (No spoilers!) The book was destined to either be a colossal failure or a great success, and he came through for the long-time fans as well as new and younger readers. He also dropped in several hints of things to come that led to the robot/Foundation integration, though this one can be read just fine on its own with no prior knowledge of his other famous works. It's significantly longer than either of the previous two books, but it's still a fast yet thought-provoking read.
June 11, 2014
Oh gosh do I wish I could give this book more stars. It was one of my absolute favorites as a kid! Robot sex! Independent (I thought at the time) women! The introduction of Giskard, the mind-reading robot! What's not to love?
... well, about 90% of the book is dialog, for one. Expository dialog. And meandering expository dialog on unrelated topics to prolong tension as you wait for person A to finally come through on what they said to person B about a motive for the roboticide?
The mystery itself is kind of muddy - is killing a robot murder on this planet or not? Near the end, the local justice tells us a firm "Not" which makes me wonder why Elijah Baley was brought up from Earth at great expense.
MEH.
At one point, I actually counted pages. Dr. Fastlof says, "But I do have a motive!" on page 90, and he and Elijah discuss bathrooms and robotics for the next 20 pages! On page 110, Dr. Fastlof finally reveals what his motive might have been. WOW. Just... WOW.
What I'm saying here is - my heroes have feet of clay. I get it. Oh, but it's still got its moments. And as an adult I caught myself chuckling gleefully at all the homoerotic subtext between Daneel and Baley. Let's face it - it's not very "sub" text. There are longing looks in eyes, hugs, and Baley even rests his head against Daneel's chest for comfort. AWW. Where is my Daneel/Baley slash fic? Can I get a side of Daneel/Giskard? Giskard/Baley? Kthnx.
Giskard is still a delight, and there are moments of something like subtlety in the way he interacts with other characters. I love that Baley at first dismisses him as an inferior robot to Daneel. It's a little cringe-worthy that he calls him "Boy!" but I get what Asimov was trying to do.
The action picks up considerably near the end of the novel, with there being actual action and all. There's a hovercraft crash, a sex scene, and the courtroom (of sorts) climax. That's... well, that's all the action. Sorry.
Still, I have great fondness for the ending and for Asimov in general. I think, perhaps, that I'll avoid re-visiting my old favorites in the future, lest I tarnish the memories.
... well, about 90% of the book is dialog, for one. Expository dialog. And meandering expository dialog on unrelated topics to prolong tension as you wait for person A to finally come through on what they said to person B about a motive for the roboticide?
The mystery itself is kind of muddy - is killing a robot murder on this planet or not? Near the end, the local justice tells us a firm "Not" which makes me wonder why Elijah Baley was brought up from Earth at great expense.
MEH.
At one point, I actually counted pages. Dr. Fastlof says, "But I do have a motive!" on page 90, and he and Elijah discuss bathrooms and robotics for the next 20 pages! On page 110, Dr. Fastlof finally reveals what his motive might have been. WOW. Just... WOW.
What I'm saying here is - my heroes have feet of clay. I get it. Oh, but it's still got its moments. And as an adult I caught myself chuckling gleefully at all the homoerotic subtext between Daneel and Baley. Let's face it - it's not very "sub" text. There are longing looks in eyes, hugs, and Baley even rests his head against Daneel's chest for comfort. AWW. Where is my Daneel/Baley slash fic? Can I get a side of Daneel/Giskard? Giskard/Baley? Kthnx.
Giskard is still a delight, and there are moments of something like subtlety in the way he interacts with other characters. I love that Baley at first dismisses him as an inferior robot to Daneel. It's a little cringe-worthy that he calls him "Boy!" but I get what Asimov was trying to do.
The action picks up considerably near the end of the novel, with there being actual action and all. There's a hovercraft crash, a sex scene, and the courtroom (of sorts) climax. That's... well, that's all the action. Sorry.
Still, I have great fondness for the ending and for Asimov in general. I think, perhaps, that I'll avoid re-visiting my old favorites in the future, lest I tarnish the memories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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