What Fiction are you reading this week, July 12, 2020?

[murielm99]

1. I am reading "The War with the Newts,"

by Karel Capek. It is a satirical science fiction novel, written by Czech author Capek. It is about the discovery of a race of intelligent newts who live in the ocean. Their discovery leads to exploitation and war.

Of course, Capek was surrounded by war, first WWI and then WWII and the Nazi invasion of his country.

The Nazis wanted Capek badly. They were dismayed to discover he had died shortly before they took over his country. They went after his family instead.

Capek introduced the word "robot." It first appeared in a play he wrote, called RUR.

I read this book when I was in my twenties. I don't remember a thing about it. I found an old copy of it when I cleaned. It was yellowed and brittle, so I replaced it. I am enjoying this book. Sometimes it is good to revisit and look at things from the perspective of an older, more experienced world view.