Jimmy Brewster
I wanted to read this book because the premise sounded like the kind of weird science fiction that I would enjoy.
On the surface level, it's an interesting set-up and I was intrigued to find out more about the mysterious creatures presented in the story. I wanted to know more about the world which unfolds through the point of view of one of these creatures.
However, the story bogs down in a moral message that boils down to having empathy for "the other side". This idea sounds appealing at first glance, but as an antifascist in an era of rising fascism, I find this allegory is not sound. I have deep empathy for the oppressed, but I have none for the oppressors.
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
I wanted to read this book because the premise sounded like the kind of weird science fiction that I would enjoy.
On the surface level, it's an interesting set-up and I was intrigued to find out more about the mysterious creatures presented in the story. I wanted to know more about the world which unfolds through the point of view of one of these creatures.
However, the story bogs down in a moral message that boils down to having empathy for "the other side". This idea sounds appealing at first glance, but as an antifascist in an era of rising fascism, I find this allegory is not sound. I have deep empathy for the oppressed, but I have none for the oppressors.
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
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In the fall of 2023 after watching the second season of the Foundation show on Apple+, I began reading Asimov's books (robot/empire/foundation) in the order which he suggested in an author's note in Prelude to Foundation.
Finally, after almost 2 years I have finished the titular book.
I enjoy the overall story of Foundation, however, the writing is not my favorite from Asimov. The entire book is essentially men having conversations about ruling the galaxy and how to manipulate the future for the good of mankind. Using dialogue to advance the plot is a device that Asimov uses a lot in his writing, and Foundation is the quintessential example. For the most part, nothing really happens, but there are a lot of conversations about things that have happened or are happening.
Also, where are the women? Asimov's women characters are sparse and often poorly written stereotypes. The single woman who gets a few lines of dialogue in Foundation would rank high as one of the worst examples.
If you want to read a single Asimov book, I would not recommend Foundation. If you are trying to complete the entire Foundation series, well, I guess you have no choice.
In the fall of 2023 after watching the second season of the Foundation show on Apple+, I began reading Asimov's books (robot/empire/foundation) in the order which he suggested in an author's note in Prelude to Foundation.
Finally, after almost 2 years I have finished the titular book.
I enjoy the overall story of Foundation, however, the writing is not my favorite from Asimov. The entire book is essentially men having conversations about ruling the galaxy and how to manipulate the future for the good of mankind. Using dialogue to advance the plot is a device that Asimov uses a lot in his writing, and Foundation is the quintessential example. For the most part, nothing really happens, but there are a lot of conversations about things that have happened or are happening.
Also, where are the women? Asimov's women characters are sparse and often poorly written stereotypes. The single woman who gets a few lines of dialogue in Foundation would rank high as one of the worst examples.
If you want to read a single Asimov book, I would not recommend Foundation. If you are trying to complete the entire Foundation series, well, I guess you have no choice.