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zone_a3's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Gaslighting
velarin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I may revisit this rating later. I finished this book few hours ago and I'm still unsure of how I feel about it. On one hand it is supposed to be a canon of sci-fi literature and I can certainly see why. But on the other hand it was a tedious read and I don't know if my high praise is not blurred by nostalgia.
About the merits. It's very skilfully crafted speculation on the human condition, on our curiosity, the need to find our place in the universe. The philosophical digressions are the core strength of Lem's book. It's very refreshing to see fiction touching the theme of "first contact", where the alien is not just a human analogue but a being beyond our comprehension. The atmosphere is impeccable, the reader is faced with constant fear, uncertainty and alienation.
BUT
It's just not THAT good. I really wanted this book to be groundbreaking but it was okay, that's it. The pacing is all over the place. Are you enjoying the plot? Here's a whole chapter of lore dump not connected to the narrative whatsoever. Every now and then the main character just mindlessly decides to skim through scientific journals, often without a cause, taking us on a truly soulless pace-destroying journey.
Also the book is casually racist and misogynistic. I am still mesmerised that it was a compulsory read when I was in junior high school.
The idea behind Solaris? Brilliant. I am hesitant about execution.
About the merits. It's very skilfully crafted speculation on the human condition, on our curiosity, the need to find our place in the universe. The philosophical digressions are the core strength of Lem's book. It's very refreshing to see fiction touching the theme of "first contact", where the alien is not just a human analogue but a being beyond our comprehension. The atmosphere is impeccable, the reader is faced with constant fear, uncertainty and alienation.
BUT
It's just not THAT good. I really wanted this book to be groundbreaking but it was okay, that's it. The pacing is all over the place. Are you enjoying the plot? Here's a whole chapter of lore dump not connected to the narrative whatsoever. Every now and then the main character just mindlessly decides to skim through scientific journals, often without a cause, taking us on a truly soulless pace-destroying journey.
Also the book is casually racist and misogynistic. I am still mesmerised that it was a compulsory read when I was in junior high school.
The idea behind Solaris? Brilliant. I am hesitant about execution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
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