58 pages • 1 hour read
The Caves of Steel
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Book Brief
206
Novel • Fiction
Future Earth
1953
Adult
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov follows detective Elijah Baley as he teams up with his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, to solve the murder of Dr. Sarton in a futuristic world where humans and robots coexist but face significant tensions. The novel combines elements of science fiction and mystery to explore themes of space exploration, ethics, and human-machine relationships, leading Baley on a complex investigation through the City and beyond.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Informative
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
113,865 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Isaac Asimov's The Caves of Steel masterfully blends science fiction and mystery, creating an engaging and thought-provoking narrative set in a futuristic Earth. Critics praise its intricate world-building and well-developed characters, particularly the dynamic between the human detective and his robot partner. Some reviewers note a slow start and dense exposition, but overall, it's lauded for its innovative plot and social commentary.
Who Should Read The Caves of Steel?
Fans of 1984 by George Orwell and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick will enjoy The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov. This reader appreciates dystopian settings, intricate detective stories, and explorations of human-robot interactions set in a richly detailed, futuristic society.
113,865 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robot Daneel Olivaw
Robot Daneel Olivaw
A highly developed humanoid robot virtually indistinguishable from a human, who partners with Detective Elijah Baley and learns much about human behavior.
Jezebel “Jessie” Baley
Jezebel “Jessie” Baley
Elijah Baley’s romantic and practical wife, who distances herself from her proper name and is deeply mistrustful of robots.
Doctor Han Fastolfe
Doctor Han Fastolfe
A Spacer scientist who, alongside Dr. Sarton, created Robot Daneel Olivaw and works toward the advancement of human settlements beyond Earth.
Commissioner Julius Enderby
Commissioner Julius Enderby
The Police Commissioner of New York City and an old college acquaintance of Elijah Baley, known for his nostalgia and dislike of robots.
206
Novel • Fiction
Future Earth
1953
Adult
13-18 years
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