This book was a disappointment. Asimov had no lack of imagination but it seems like this book started out as a story or novella and got stretched out. Much of the story consists of people telling each other things that the reader already knows. Also the storytelling is odd. It starts out fine. A spaceman has been treated so that he loses his memory. When it returns, he remembers that he was on his way to tell the planet that it was doomed. All this is interesting. But then the story shifts to other characters. A lot of the book is about politicians and others discussing various options in the ongoing struggles for power. I couldn't really tell them apart or get interested in their plans. It seems like there is some commentary on colonialism, capitalism, and racism but it's buried under a lot of ordinary conversation.
An amusing thing in these mid-century sci-fi stories (this one is from 1952) is that even in space, there is always a woman in high heels and a tight outfit and there is always smoking! Of course, many of these stories were first published in magazines directed at men, so it makes sense but it really stand out here The authors imagined video calls, touch screens, interstellar travel, but couldn't get past some of their assumptions about social life.
An amusing thing in these mid-century sci-fi stories (this one is from 1952) is that even in space, there is always a woman in high heels and a tight outfit and there is always smoking! Of course, many of these stories were first published in magazines directed at men, so it makes sense but it really stand out here The authors imagined video calls, touch screens, interstellar travel, but couldn't get past some of their assumptions about social life.