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simon326's review against another edition
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Foundation is a classic sci-fi novel which tells the story of the vast and complicated plan to build rebuild the failing Galactic Empire. As such the timescale of the story is long and we read snapshots of the crucial events of each generation which go on to shape the next. As a result we are introduced to successive new main characters the result of which - while the author does his best to imbue each one with a unique personality - is that we never feel that we have enough time to get to know them. The side characters receive even less attention, such that I would sometimes forget who is who.
However, this is not a story of individuals, but a story of the masses of people which inhabit planets and star systems. The book focuses on the movements of government and culture which bring about each historic change and the plots, schemes and intrigues involved are never unsatisfactory. As the author often reminds us, the psychology governing a single person and the psychology governing a million people are very different. And it is this which the book explores, instead of the growth of individual, short-lived characters.
Overall, it is an enjoyable sci-fi classic, sure to be enjoyed by lovers of plots and intrigue, but not so by those who want to get attached to a main character.
However, this is not a story of individuals, but a story of the masses of people which inhabit planets and star systems. The book focuses on the movements of government and culture which bring about each historic change and the plots, schemes and intrigues involved are never unsatisfactory. As the author often reminds us, the psychology governing a single person and the psychology governing a million people are very different. And it is this which the book explores, instead of the growth of individual, short-lived characters.
Overall, it is an enjoyable sci-fi classic, sure to be enjoyed by lovers of plots and intrigue, but not so by those who want to get attached to a main character.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Cursing
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