The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov (Book Review)

This is my first Isaac Asimov read. Have known the late science fiction writer for quite awhile but never got around to reading one of his books. This one was written in 1972, way before I was born. There are some spelling mistakes in this edition, probably by the conversion process from typewritten copy to this one. This is also my first book from the SF Masterworks series which reprints the best sci-fi novels spanning decades. In my opinion, this series is a good place to start in exploring the science fiction genre.

The story of the book takes place in the year 2100, when man invented an Electron Pump which is able to produce endless supply of energy to our world. The catch is, it's a ticking bomb counting down to explode. 

The book is divided into three parts, adopting the words of Joan of Arc, "Against stupidity the god themselves contend in vain."

The first part (I. Against Stupidity ...) is quite relate-able. It's about a scientist trying his best to convince people to stop using the Electron Pump. We can tell that Asimov showed his creativity by starting Part 1 at section 6 before moving on to section 1 (This was in 1972 - he had to put a note at the beginning). However, this is something that is already almost a norm in today's novel, and movies, even. Start with the interesting bits and then, ease off into character introductions and other stuffs. Chronological order is not important. In movies, they are in the form of flashbacks.

The second part (II ... The Gods Themselves ...) is totally alien. Asimov attempted something similar for Part 2 too, naming the chapters 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b and onwards. For me, it makes this part of the book seems tolerable as the number of sections does not go beyond two numerical digits. Felt like it was not too long. Part 2 was difficult to understand though at first because it involves life-beings unlike anything from our world. But once, you get to know them, the rest of the read flows smoothly.

The third part (III ... Contend In Vain) brings us back to more familiar grounds yet unfamiliar at the same time. It takes place years after Part 1, when humans have colonized the moon. It did well in giving us a picture how would humans live and evolve on the moon. The sections were uneven in length creating a feeling of rapid pacing. I can't say much more without spoiling the ending, so I'll just stop about Part 3 here.

Although the story revolves around the Electron Pump, I like to think that each part is a separate story with its own appeal. In spite of it being a science fiction book, it is also a book about politics, characters, relationships and romance. There's also a surprising twist in the middle.

I admit that I may not understand all the science involved in the story. However, through the reading process, I think I get to learn a thing or two from the dialogues and also had a peek into a science that is out of this world. Imaginative, but also sensible.