FKatterjohn
12/26/2020
After reading "Prelude to Foundation," I soured on Asimov. However, the Elijah Bailey / R. Daneel Olivaw series and "The Naked Sun" have entirely altered my perspective on Asimov. This is a testament to literature's profound impact, especially when it's as brilliantly crafted as these works. It's hard to believe they were written in the mid-1950s for a pulp audience.
"The Naked Sun" is pure Asimov, as each social and planetary group has its characteristics and problems. The various groups act and react to each other according to their particular interests. Can we say planet Earth in COVID-19 2020?
One could easily retitle this "Prelude To Asimov's Mystery Story Era." It's an excellent SF mystery. "Caves of Steel" was more SF. This is a more and better mystery.
As I delve deeper into Asimov's works, I can't help but feel the gravitational pull of other literary giants like Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane. Yet, I'm still eagerly anticipating my next read: "Robots of Dawn" and perhaps "Foundation's Edge".