107. The Robots of Dawn

The Robots of Dawn. Isaac Asimov. 1983. 438 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Elijah Baley found himself in the shade of the tree and muttered to himself, "I knew it. I'm sweating."

Premise/plot: Detective Elijah Baley stars in his third science-fiction mystery in Isaac Asimov's The Robots of Dawn. The first two books are Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun. All have Baley working closely with R. Daneel Olivaw, a humanoid robot, to solve a murder. In this third book, Baley finds himself heading to Aurora to solve the "murder" of a robot. It is not so much a criminal investigation. The "murder" being more a matter for the civil courts. But this is a case that might very well have huge implications. It isn't so much the destruction of one robot, as it is a fiery political mess of WHO should be colonizing planets in the future. The options being a) humanoid robots only but preparing the way for human colonists centuries later b) humans and robots working together c) Spacer humans only NOT those from Earth. d) Aurorans (humans from the planet Aurora) only, no other spacers, e) Earthmen and Spacers f) only Earthmen. Essentially, what role (if any) should robots have in colonizing space. Will the robots being ruled by the three laws interfere with the natural order of things? Will robots over-protective nature of "saving" humans at all costs, keep humans from taking the risks necessary to colonize space? 

My thoughts: This book felt like it was 800 pages, and not in a good way. It is without a doubt a premise driven novel. It is not really a mystery novel, not really. Of course that is my opinion. It is so DRY and BORING and INFO-DUMP-y when it comes to interrogating and interviewing everyone he meets. Info-Dump is a great word for the narrative style. Little character development. If I wasn't already attached to Baley and Daneel, then I would have refused to finish it. The topics are mainly sociology (particularly sexuality, reproduction/parenthood, marriage) science (inventors, researchers, ethical responsibilities), and politics.

 When it wasn't being incredibly boring, this book was disturbing. And not because of the adulterous one-night affair between Baley and Gladia. There's a fine balance between odd/weird and disturbing. The Aurora society is so SEX with no prohibitions or inhibitions, no taboos, that they see absolutely NOTHING wrong with incestuous relationships. In fact, it's thought "odd" if fathers refuse daughters, or daughters refuse fathers. (It is a little more complicated than that. But still disgusting). Children are encouraged from a young age, instructed and taught. It wasn't that every time the subject of sex was brought up in the book, it involved children. But even a couple of times makes this a weird read.

I was disappointed. I enjoyed the first two books so much. The first two books were not as weird/creepy.

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