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![Nightfall [Short story] by Isaac Asimov](https://assets.thestorygraph.com/assets/placeholder-cover-a3ae92250eb3301e32dc3eabf8d50576c2f047dda89f6ee7cfa9a859cb1fd746.jpg)
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This is probably the best Sci-Fi short story that I have ever read…
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The cities power went out yesterday and the night sky was so beautiful I reread this story, and it's as good as I remembered! I enjoy how there is a lot of insight into the society of Lagash and how if we had 6 suns and no night how different everything would be . The story also provides a subtle critique of scientists that as I interact with more in my profession, I can't help but find similarities in character.
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
challenging
tense
I've never like Asimov's writing much. Although the computer science enthusiasts in my life have strongly advocated the [b:Foundation|29579|Foundation (Foundation, #1)|Isaac Asimov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417900846l/29579._SX50_.jpg|1783981] novels, much of Asimov's work relies too much on plot and cool concepts and doesn't dive deeply enough into characters and psychology. I read Nightfall for my short story book club, and was pleasantly surprised. As other reviewers have said, Nightfall manages to keep Asimov's signature creativity while still incorporating characterization and psychology. This short story touches on so many concepts that are so fascinating, both politically and scientifically: the mob mentality, the fact that we on Earth have a particular set of circumstances that have permitted our advancement.
While this still left me with some questions--can people truly go mad if the sun disappears for just half a day? don't people experience darkness while, say, sleeping? are these people humans whose ancestors came from Earth, or are they a completely different universe?--it was overall a quick, interesting read. Would recommend for all science fiction fans.
While this still left me with some questions--can people truly go mad if the sun disappears for just half a day? don't people experience darkness while, say, sleeping? are these people humans whose ancestors came from Earth, or are they a completely different universe?--it was overall a quick, interesting read. Would recommend for all science fiction fans.
"Mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand." - Magneto, X-Men (2000). This statement stands true in the story. Though I really enjoyed the story and its parallels with the real world, I also observed the serious lack of diverse opinions. But of course, this book cleverly points out the vulnerability of human existence and how in the end we are all "just a bunch of gibbering idiots."
The book points out at the faults and patriarchal tones of the ones considered rational and logical— the scientists, who have little to no regards for the humankind and see women as mere "breeding agency" and even undermine the cultists' stories narrated by the female nurse. Even as a loud atheist, Issac Asimov has given the cultists a voice we weren't expecting. Although blinded by faith and extremism, they aren't very different from the scientists and even in some sense, the scientists are even more dangerous. Even the psychologist who understands the dangers of fear and claustrophobia is unable to control himself when exposed to the same. The scientific method is shown to be data-oriented and limited but never 'solution-orientated'. Both the scientist and cultists don't care about finding the solution. They shamelessly disregard human life as invaluable either in the name of rationality or faith. And we all can relate to this even more in today's scenario where researchers are influenced by the companies to favour their potentially dangerous products.
As one of the greatest pioneers of the science-fiction we are blessed with today, 'Nightfall' is without a doubt a book written for the ones who have found their solace in the mysteries of the universe and are in want of looking beyond.
FUN FACT: The idea for "Nightfall" was actually suggested to Asimov by his editor who quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature : "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God?" So, the opening lines of the story were actually the true inspiration for the story.
The book points out at the faults and patriarchal tones of the ones considered rational and logical— the scientists, who have little to no regards for the humankind and see women as mere "breeding agency" and even undermine the cultists' stories narrated by the female nurse. Even as a loud atheist, Issac Asimov has given the cultists a voice we weren't expecting. Although blinded by faith and extremism, they aren't very different from the scientists and even in some sense, the scientists are even more dangerous. Even the psychologist who understands the dangers of fear and claustrophobia is unable to control himself when exposed to the same. The scientific method is shown to be data-oriented and limited but never 'solution-orientated'. Both the scientist and cultists don't care about finding the solution. They shamelessly disregard human life as invaluable either in the name of rationality or faith. And we all can relate to this even more in today's scenario where researchers are influenced by the companies to favour their potentially dangerous products.
As one of the greatest pioneers of the science-fiction we are blessed with today, 'Nightfall' is without a doubt a book written for the ones who have found their solace in the mysteries of the universe and are in want of looking beyond.
FUN FACT: The idea for "Nightfall" was actually suggested to Asimov by his editor who quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature : "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God?" So, the opening lines of the story were actually the true inspiration for the story.
This book is an expansion of one of my all-time favorite short stories. Despite my high star rating, I have some mixed feelings about it. I really enjoyed getting some more details, and I also liked that the length allowed for more depth of character. But the short story ends with nightfall, whereas the novelization follows through and shows the aftermath, and I think that diminishes its effectiveness. It certainly was my least favorite part of the book; I really enjoyed using my own imagination to picture what came next in the short story. There was also an added love story that I didn't hate but was not impressed by.
All in all, though, it's a great book, and everyone should read it, especially sci-fi fans.
All in all, though, it's a great book, and everyone should read it, especially sci-fi fans.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated