Hi everyone! How are you all? Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am reviewing the first in a series of novel adaptations of the classic science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf by Grant Naylor.
Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers was initially published in 1989 by Penguin Books and is 304 pages long.
The Plot
Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers is the first instalment in a series of novel adaptations of the classic British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. The story follows the adventures of Dave Lister, the last human being left alive after a radiation leak eradicates the crew of the mining spaceship Red Dwarf.
With only a holographic version of his annoying former roommate, Arnold Rimmer and a being who evolved from his pet cat for companionship, Lister embarks on a hilarious and sometimes heartwarming adventure across the universe.
Characters
Dave Lister
Dave Lister is a laid-back and lovable slob who works as a Third Technician on the mining ship Red Dwarf. Lister is known for his love of curry, beer, and cigarettes and is head over heels in love with Third Console Officer Kristine Kochanski. He is a deeply flawed human, yet despite those flaws, he possesses a kind heart and unwavering loyalty to his friends.
Arnold Rimmer
Rimmer is Lister’s bunkmate and polar opposite. He is an insufferable, know-it-all hologram who, when he was alive, served as a First Technician (Second Technician in the series) aboard Red Dwarf. He seeks constant approval and validation, and his bumbling nature and overinflated sense of self-importance provide plenty of comedic moments throughout the book.
Cat
Cat is a humanoid creature who evolved from Lister’s pet cat, Frankenstein, who, after refusing to hand her over for dissection, Lister had sealed in the ship’s hold, keeping her safe from the radiation leak that wiped out the crew.
He is a vain and self-absorbed character, obsessed with fashion and looking good, which leads to many funny moments in the book.
Holly
Holly is the ship’s computer who begins the book with an IQ of 6,000, but due to being online and alone for three million years, he has developed a bit of computer senility, leaving him lacking common sense. He provides a lot of humour throughout the story, with his mistakes often resulting in disastrous consequences for the crew.
Kryten
Kryten is a neurotic android who the Red Dwarf crew pick up while answering a distress call from the doomed Nova 5. He is programmed to serve humans with unwavering obedience, and his penchant for cleanliness and orderliness makes him deeply happy.
Writing Style
The authors, Rob Grant and Doug Naylor (the creators of the Red Dwarf TV series who use the pen name Grant Naylor — an amalgamation of their names) present an incredibly intricate and creative retelling of the sitcom. They weave together a complex plot that is engaging and thrilling, drawing you in from page one and holding on to you until the end.
One of the standouts of Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers is its blend of humour and science fiction. The book has plenty of witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and absurd situations that will have you laughing out loud. At the same time, it doesn’t skimp on exploring deeper themes such as loneliness, friendship, and what it means to be human. This combination of comedy and introspection gives the story an unexpected depth that sets it apart from other sci-fi novels.
The book is an adaptation of Series One episodes The End, Future Echoes and Me² and Series Two episodes Kryten and Better Than Life. Everything I love about the TV series is in the book; however, because it is a book, there is so much more scope to expand the universe, along with the storylines and character backstories.
Because of that scope, the authors have created a vivid story world filled with advanced technology, strange yet intriguing creatures (I’m looking at you, Cat!) and bizarre phenomena that add extra layers and complexity to the narrative.
From exploring derelict spaceships and becoming stuck in virtual reality, you will be constantly kept on your toes as the characters navigate this vibrant universe.
Final Thoughts
Overall, even though Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers is, in certain respects, a snapshot of the late 1980s, it is a brilliant blend of science fiction and comedy that has stood the test of time. With its lovable characters, sharp humour, and imaginative yet sometimes silly plot, it continues to captivate readers who enjoy tales of interstellar shenanigans.
Whether you’re a fan of the Red Dwarf TV series or new to the Red Dwarf universe, this book will surely entertain and leave you craving more adventures with Lister and the gang aboard Red Dwarf. So get hold of a copy and get yourself immersed in this wild ride through space!
I am giving Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers a full 10/10.
Are you a Red Dwarf fan? Have you read Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers? What did you think?
Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review.
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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