A review by steven_lamb
Solaris by Stanisław Lem

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed the first 60% of the novel much more than the latter 40%, though I did not dislike any portion of it.  Lem expertly ratchets up the tension and mystery so that the first 60% read almost similar to a horror novel to me.  I do enjoy the exploration or deeper emotional themes in the latter 40%.

I found the long and dense scientific descriptions in the Solaristics Volumes that the main character reads in the book quite fascinatingly written, if not a little difficult to follow at times.  Overall, quite a satisfying read!  4/5
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