Isaac Asimov
The Gods Themselves (1972)
Author: Isaac Asimov
Genre: Science Fiction (Philosophical)
Plot Summary:
The world is overjoyed when Frederick Hallam discovers a new element that will provide the earth with an unending supply of energy that costs very little to produce and causes no pollution. What the world doesn't know is that Hallam only stumbled upon the stuff because of a sarcastic remark made by Benjamin Denison. Hallam becomes the 'Father of the Electron Pump' while Denison falls into obscurity (of course he's helped there by Hallam). Thirty years later, Peter Lamont, a young theorist, becomes very interested in the history of the electron pump. The pump, by the way, is a way to control the exchange of elemental matter between two universes, the one being a para-Universe to our own. Lamont discovers the assumptions that were made by earlier scientists and finds a flaw in the system, a catastrophic flaw. Eventually the pump will pull in so much energy that it will cause the sun to explode. Lamont tries to tell others of his find, but he also makes an enemy of Hallam, who is now in an untouchable position, and finds himself the sole voice of truth and totally discredited. The story then switches to the para-Universe and the frustrations of several aliens. Dua, Odeen, and Tritt, are three separate beings that form a triad, or type of family unit. Each being also known as an Emotional, a Rational, and a Parental, are connected by melting, a process of combining their separate masses into one. Their world is dying, but a new energy source may keep them alive. Dua is an especially smart emotional, and has great qualms about this new energy source, but she is ostracized by her interest in learning things. Odeen, the rational one, has many questions for the new leader, Estwald. Tritt is worried about his partners' unwillingness to melt and create their last child. SPOILER: They are the creators of the pump as a combined being called Estwald. The third part of the book, which takes place on the moon, is where the Earth and the para-Universe settle their differences. Here we find Denison who has left the earth in hopes of finding a new start in life away from Hallam. Years ago, he saw the pump as presenting a similar threat to humanity, but his theory was not explored. Certain people connect the theories of Denison and Lamont and prove their truth. Denison finds a solution to the pump problem and manages to quell a Lunar rebellion at the same time with the help of Selene Lindstrom.
Geographical Setting: Earth, the Moon, and a para-Universe
Time Period: 2070
Appeal Characteristics:
The Gods Themselves fits into the category known as Hard Science Fiction. This book would appeal to anyone interested in possible energy sources and chemistry to a certain extent. I am no expert but the book seemed to adhere to the laws of chemistry and physics. Another appealing element is the understanding of a non-human intelligence. Asimov also introduces other controversial subjects such as genetic engineering and space colonization. He also manages to make the story very human by having very normal human beings with all of their shortcomings and flaws tell the story. The story also is fairly intriguing because humankind is at stake if the universe were to explode.
Read-alikes: If you enjoyed Asimov's style in The Gods Themselves, you might try some of his other novels. I, Robot is one of his more well know titles and his Foundation series has a lot of high tech ideas. If alternate universes are of interest, Entroverse by James P. Hogan is a book that combines the use of physics with a new universe. Charles Sheffield writes some very science based SF, Cold as Ice being a book that deals with a portable fusion engine. Timemaster by Robert L. Forward is about an energy crisis, that can possibly be solved but at what cost to mankind? Another subject mentioned by Asimov is that of genetic engineering. Linda Nagata in The Bohr Maker also writes about this subject. The Gods Themselves also has some elements of a save-the-world adventure, (though it isn't really suspenseful). Save the World (that really is the title) by Dan Simmons is another space adventure type story. Though not a major theme, politics plays a small role in the novel. The Memory of Earth by Orson Scott Card is similar in that it has political issues when a people must make choices that affect the future of mankind.
Red Flags: Some sexual references (alien)
I, Robot (1950)
Author: Isaac Asimov
Genre: Science Fiction (Golden Age)
Plot Summary:
Robots must obey the Three Laws of Robotics, which are: 1, that a robot must not
harm a human, or, through inaction, allow a human to come to harm; 2, that a robot must obey orders which do not conflict with the First Law; and 3, that a robot must protect its own existence, as long as this does not conflict with First Law and Second Law. Dr. Susan Calvin, the galaxy's leading robopsychologist, tells a dramatic tale of the history of robotics in an interview with Interstellar Press for her retirement. Her tale begins with Robbie, a nursemaid robot who seems inordinately loyal and loving towards his charge, despite the fact that he should have no more capacity for emotion than a washing machine. Robots become outlawed on Earth, mostly due to influence from labor unions (outsourcing?),
and as such, much of the rest of the novel takes place on Mercury or various space stations. As robot technology advances, so does the robot mind and its capacity for assimilation with the humans around it. One example is Herbie, who can read minds, and as such, must alter the syntax of the First Law to accomodate this new knowledge: for him to tell humans the truth, when he knows it would hurt their feelings, would be to harm humans-emotionally. SPOILER: As Dr. Calvin's story progresses, robots become more and more autonomous in their operating abilities, and indeed in being responsible for their own creation. At the end of the story, robots have given way to the Machines, who are built by "extrapolating" robot knowledge; they rule the four "Regions" of Earth, as individual nations have fallen, and are solely responsible for determining what is best for humanity, whether that be peaceful existence or total anarchy.
Geographical Setting: Earth, Mercury, various places in the space-time continuum
Time Period: In the future: Spanning 1982-2057 (published 1950)
Series: 1st in the Robot Series
Appeal Characteristics:
One of the more elegant appeal elements to this novel is the pacing; Asimov does an excellent job of illustrating his history of robots by using several highlights, and filling these highlights with enough background and foreshadowing to be comprehensive. The detail, surrounding both the characters and the action, is enough to evoke strong imagery, yet light enough to maintain a rapid pace and fast dialogue. As this was written at the tail-end of the Golden Age, there is enough science to satisfy those looking for mathematical models of positronic brains, yet the focus lies more with the logic and reasoning that motivates the robots, rather than the circuitry that moves them. It seems that much of the novel concerns the application of scientific principles to real life situations, and of the robot brain as
a mirror to the human psyche; hence the protagonist, robopsychologist Dr. Susan Calvin. The tone moves from unease to sinister as the robots become more sure of themselves and their superiority over their human creators. The tone certainly is more philosophical than action-oriented, and uses events to illustrate logical conclusions; characterization also
falls a little flat, with many of the characters coming off quite clunky and obviously taking a backseat to the robots.
Read-alikes: To continue with other Asimov stories, readers might try The Rest of the Robots, compiled in 1964 and the fourth in the Robot Series. This collection continues the themes in I, Robot and together these two books comprise the majority of Asimov's robot stories; also popular is another of Asimov's series, the Foundation Series. Readers who enjoy the philosophical and psychological aspects of I, Robot will enjoy Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man. The frames of each book are also similar, with multiple vignettes linked by a narrative; a good example of comparable themes of robots -here, computers- gone bad is the chapter titled "The Veldt". Those who liked the strong, if sometimes wooden, Dr. Carver will enjoy The Phoenix Code, which was written by Catherine Asaro in 2000. This book features female AI expert Megan O'Flannery, who, along with her mad-scientist colleague, interacts with self-aware robots similar to those in I,Robot. Another book with emphasis on the psychology of human-computer (or human-robot) interaction is Stanislaw Lem's Peace on Earth, which features a recurring protagonist who must stop robots on the moon from revolting and invading Earth. Readers interested in titles with a similar mix of science with their fiction like The Door into Summer by veteran science fiction author Robert Heinlein. Although more concerned with time travel than robots, this popular classic translates scientific terminology and themes into concepts a non-expert can grasp, and Heinlein writes with humor as well.
Red Flags: None
|top|
|
