Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (Red Dwarf #1) Summary & Key Insights

'Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers', the first novel in the Red Dwarf series, introduces us to the crew of the mining ship Red Dwarf – Dave Lister, the last surviving human; Arnold Rimmer, a cowardly and self-important hologram; Cat, a humanoid evolved from a cat; and Kryten, a mechanoid butler. The novel expands on the television series' premise, detailing the events leading up to the ship's accidental journey through space after a radiation leak.

The primary plot revolves around Lister's struggle for survival after being cryogenically frozen on the ship for three million years. He finds himself incredibly alone, except for Rimmer's hologram, a persistent and annoying presence that exists only within the ship's computer systems. The novel depicts Lister's initial loneliness and frustration, highlighting his attempts to understand his circumstances and cope with the immense scale of time that has passed.

Lister's accidental awakening triggers a series of events that leads him to discover a life-support system malfunction that threatens to destroy what little oxygen remains. His efforts to fix it are complicated by Rimmer's constant interference and the emergence of unusual circumstances within the ship. A significant portion of the story is dedicated to exploring the ship's systems and the bizarre anomalies that have occurred during its long, unsupervised journey.

The arrival of the Cat and Kryten significantly alters the dynamics. Cat, a genetically evolved feline humanoid, represents a fundamentally different form of life born out of the ship’s unique environment. His self-absorbed and vain personality provides humorous contrast to Lister’s pragmatic approach. Kryten, a mechanoid, adds a layer of technological complexity and, ironically, emotional depth through his programming prioritizing service and obedience.

The overarching themes of the novel center around isolation, survival, and the absurdity of existence. Lister's journey is a testament to human resilience and adaptability in the face of overwhelming odds. The contrasting personalities of the crew highlight the complexities of interpersonal relationships in extraordinary situations. Rimmer's continual presence, though irritating, reflects Lister's internal struggles and the burden of his guilt concerning the accident.

The novel concludes with the crew, despite their disagreements and differences, becoming a makeshift family, bound together by their shared experience of surviving in the vast expanse of space. The unexpected discoveries aboard the ship and the hints of a larger, unknown universe leave the reader eager to continue their journey with this unlikely crew, setting the stage for future adventures. Ultimately, 'Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers' establishes the core characters, their dynamic relationships, and the blend of humor and existential dread that defines the Red Dwarf universe.