I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (1950)
Uninspiring prose
Book cover blurb
THE CLASSIC COLLECTION OF ROBOT STORIES FROM THE MASTER OF THE GENRE.
Earth is ruled by master-machines but the Three Laws of Robotics have been designed to endure humans maintain the upper hand:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
But what happens when a rogue robot's idea of what is good for society contravenes the Three Laws?
My Review
Yes, I know it's Asimov. Yes, I know he's a must-read in sci-fi. Yes, I know he's an acclaimed master. And yes, I know I really should have enjoyed this book but I have to admit that I simply didn't. Why do I feel like I have to apologise for that?
I found the writing quite colourless and uninteresting. Some of the themes are very intriguing and interesting in themselves, but as for actual enjoyment of reading, I found this sorely lacking. Things did pick up a little as the book went on through the collection of all nine short stories, which primarily follow Susan Calvin and her involvement with the progression of robots and their positronic brains. As my interest did actually heighten over several of the latter of these stories, I began to have high hopes for the final story and the pinnacle of robot kind, and the next disaster that may come from that. Unfortunately, the finale was among the most dreary, dull and uninspiring writing I have ever read.
Was there anything positive within these pages?
I was quite impressed by how little these writings have dated. Of course, there were inevitable points that showed a little age, but for the most part, the writing felt very relevant even for today. I also really enjoyed the interaction between two of the other recurring characters, the fantastically eccentric Donovan and Powell. Had the entire novel featured these two guys I would have been far more engaged. But overall I have to proclaim this one a dud. Sorry.
My copy of this novel
Harper Voyager hardback edition.
Published in 1950
245 pages
ISBN 9780007491513