Nemesis (Asimov novel)
Asimov's later novel about a sentient planet and interstellar travel.
Nemesis is a science fiction novel by American writer Isaac Asimov, published in 1989, three years before his death. It is one of his later science fiction novels and is connected to his other works by several ideas, including non-human intelligence, sentient astronomical bodies, and the space station colony Rotor. The novel is set around the year 2236 and involves a reclusive space station colony called Rotor that travels to the red dwarf star Nemesis, where bacterial life on the moon Erythro forms a collective sentient and telepathic organism.
- Key elements
- Non-human intelligence, sentient astronomical bodies, the colony Rotor
Lore & Background
The novel's plot follows the colony Rotor, which uses hyper-assistance technology to travel from Earth to the red dwarf Nemesis, orbiting the moon Erythro. There, colonists discover that the bacterial life on Erythro collectively possesses consciousness and telepathy. Meanwhile, Earth perfects superluminal flight, ending Rotor's isolation. The story also involves a family reunion and a crisis where Nemesis' trajectory threatens to destabilize the Solar System.
Reader's Guide
Nemesis is significant as a standalone work in Asimov's later career, though it contains references that some commentators believe were deliberately placed for potential integration into his Foundation universe. The novel's depiction of a red dwarf star with a habitable moon was prescient, as the first speculated habitable exoplanet, Gliese 581c, orbits a red dwarf. Asimov's editor suggested the novel be independent of his Foundation and Robot series, though Asimov left open the possibility of changing his mind. The novel received mixed reviews, noted for its intelligent ideas and suspense but criticized for perfunctory characterization and excessive dialogue.
Did You Know?
- The novel was published in 1989, three years before Asimov's death.
- The red dwarf star Nemesis in the book is not the hypothetical companion to the Sun; it is simply passing through the Solar System.
- The planetary system includes a gas giant named Megas in a very short-period orbit, a radical idea in 1989 later vindicated by the discovery of exoplanet 51 Pegasi b in 1995.
- Asimov stated in the foreword that Nemesis is not part of the Foundation universe, but he said he might change his mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nemesis by Isaac Asimov about?
Published in 1989, the novel follows a reclusive space station colony called Rotor on a journey to the red dwarf star Nemesis, where the crew encounters a collective telepathic organism formed by bacterial life on the moon Erythro. The story explores non-human intelligence and sentient astronomical bodies.
What is Rotor in Asimov's Nemesis?
Rotor is a reclusive space station colony that serves as both the primary setting and the vessel carrying the story's characters to the Nemesis star system. It is a recurring element in Asimov's broader science fiction universe.
What is Erythro in the novel Nemesis?
Erythro is a moon orbiting the red dwarf star Nemesis, where bacterial life has evolved into a single collective, telepathic, and sentient organism. It embodies Asimov's long-standing interest in non-human forms of intelligence.
How does Nemesis connect to Asimov's other works?
The novel shares thematic DNA with his other stories through ideas like non-human intelligence, sentient astronomical bodies, and the recurring colony Rotor. Written in 1989, three years before his death, it stands as one of his final science fiction novels.
What is the time and place setting of Nemesis?
The story is set around the year 2236 and centers on the red dwarf star Nemesis and its moon Erythro. The narrative follows the Rotor colony as it travels to this distant star system to investigate the sentient life found there.
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