Scan barcode
A review by spacecorn
Roadside Picnic by Boris Strugatsky, Arkady Strugatsky
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I've seen many people in the reviews argue that this book doesn't have enough of a plot.
I argue that it shouldn't be any other way.
When you think of science fiction, what do you typically think of? Star Wars, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Metropolis, heck even Dune. What do all of these pieces of media have in common?
They all feature things so improbable that they tiptoe the line between science and fantasy, and most importantly, they are all set in the future.
I would argue that Roadside Picnic is a true science fiction novel. It is set in the present day and features normal people facing the cosmic horror of the unknown. Now yes, you could argue that the events of the book are extremely unlikely, but what would you place your money on? Lightsabres or the Zone? I don't mean to bash these franchises, I love conventional sci-fi to bits, but this book has made me rethink the term 'sci-fi' altogether.
Roadside Picnic invites the reader to explore a conceptual world, merely glimpsing through a window at how the authors predict humanity would react to the appearance of the zones. Yes, it doesn't have much of a plot, but that's because it doesn't need one. It could almost be read as a thesis paper, with characters holding different views on the events of the book and conversing with each other about said views.
Roadside Picnic is a truly remarkable piece of Science Fiction that has made me rethink the entire genre, and I implore anyone with a fascination with the unknown or interest in the sciences to read it.
I argue that it shouldn't be any other way.
When you think of science fiction, what do you typically think of? Star Wars, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Metropolis, heck even Dune. What do all of these pieces of media have in common?
They all feature things so improbable that they tiptoe the line between science and fantasy, and most importantly, they are all set in the future.
I would argue that Roadside Picnic is a true science fiction novel. It is set in the present day and features normal people facing the cosmic horror of the unknown. Now yes, you could argue that the events of the book are extremely unlikely, but what would you place your money on? Lightsabres or the Zone? I don't mean to bash these franchises, I love conventional sci-fi to bits, but this book has made me rethink the term 'sci-fi' altogether.
Roadside Picnic invites the reader to explore a conceptual world, merely glimpsing through a window at how the authors predict humanity would react to the appearance of the zones. Yes, it doesn't have much of a plot, but that's because it doesn't need one. It could almost be read as a thesis paper, with characters holding different views on the events of the book and conversing with each other about said views.
Roadside Picnic is a truly remarkable piece of Science Fiction that has made me rethink the entire genre, and I implore anyone with a fascination with the unknown or interest in the sciences to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Moderate: Death
Minor: Sexual content and Body horror