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lisafrench's review against another edition
Graphic: Racism
jamie_stbr's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Racism, Toxic relationship, and Suicide
lxndrw's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Racism
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.
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
owarcher's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Racism
delusion's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Racism
wlarianna's review against another edition
slow-paced
1.0
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
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