The End of Eternity

Isaac Asimov

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time travel consequences

ethical dilemmas in time manipulation

character development criticism

plot twists and pacing

eternity organization

social awkwardness in characters

romantic plot device

simplistic prose style

mystery and betrayal

standalone science fiction novel

impact of altering history

The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov is a classic science fiction novel that delves into the concept of time travel and its consequences. The story follows Andrew Harlan, a technician working for Eternity, an organization that manipulates time to create a better future for humanity. As Harlan starts to question the ethics of Eternity's actions, he becomes entangled in a web of desire, betrayal, and redemption. Through a mix of mystery and ethical dilemmas, the novel explores themes of power, control, and the impact of altering the course of history.

Characters:

The characters are criticized for being flat and stereotypical, particularly Andrew Harlan, who embodies social awkwardness, with the female character serving mostly as a romantic plot device.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a simplistic and sparse prose, often criticized for flat dialogue and a lack of emotional resonance.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores a time travel organization that alters reality in an effort to improve humanity's future, centered on Andrew Harlan's journey and love.

Setting:

The setting consists of a complex structure known as Eternity, which exists outside the normal flow of time, allowing manipulation of human history across various centuries.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but accelerates, culminating in a fast-paced conclusion with twists that engage the reader.

ANDREW HARLAN STEPPED into the kettle. Its sides were perfectly round and it fit snugly inside a vertical shaft composed of widely spaced rods that shimmered into an unseeable haze six feet above Harl...

Notes:

The End of Eternity was published in 1955 and is considered an early innovative time travel story.

The novel explores themes of time travel, social engineering, and the consequences of altering history.

The main character, Andrew Harlan, is a Technician in a group called the Eternals who manipulate time to ensure the best outcomes for humanity.

Women in the novel are often depicted in traditional roles, leading to criticism of Asimov's portrayal of gender.

Harlan becomes romantically involved with Noys Lambent, the only significant female character, creating conflict in the plot.

The book is noted for its unique take on time travel, avoiding typical paradoxes commonly found in the genre.

It features a cast system among the Eternals, predominantly composed of men, raising questions about gender dynamics.

Asimov presents a dilemma about the balance between safety and the potential for human advancement.

The ending of the book contains a significant twist that impacts the entire premise of Eternity.

Overall, readers have mixed feelings about Asimov's writing style, citing it as mostly idea-driven rather than character-driven.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of misogyny and patriarchal attitudes prevalent in the narrative as well as the ethical implications of social engineering.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romance in The End of Eternity, primarily involving the protagonist's relationship with one female character.

From The Publisher:

One of Isaac Asimov's SF masterpieces, this stand-alone novel is a monument of the flowering of SF in the 20th century. It is widely regarded as Asimov's single best SF novel and one every SF fan should read.

Andrew Harlan is an Eternal, a member of the elite of the future. One of the few who live in Eternity, a location outside of place and time, Harlan's job is to create carefully controlled and enacted Reality Changes. These Changes are small, exactingly calculated shifts in the course of history made for the benefit of humankind. Though each Change has been made for the greater good, there are always costs.

During one of his assignments, Harlan meets and falls in love with Noÿs Lambent, a woman who lives in real time and space. Then Harlan learns that Noÿs will cease to exist after the next change, and risks everything to sneak her into Eternity.

Unfortunately, they are caught. Harlan's punishment? His next assignment: kill the woman he loves before the paradox they have created results in the destruction of Eternity.

Ratings (17)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (46):

Read It (17)
Want To Read (24)
Not Interested (5)

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About the Author:

Isaac Asimov lived in Boston and in New York City most of his life. He died in 1992 at the age of seventy-two.

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