From the Bookshelf of Classics Without All the Class…

Solaris

Stanisław Lem,

Steve Cox (Translator),

Joanna Kilmartin (Translator)

Start date: June 1, 2013

Finish date: June 30, 2013

Discussion: Jun 2013 - Solaris

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 14 topics — 111 comments total

Jun 2013 - Solaris

Chapters 8-14
By Karena · 12 posts · 125 views

last updated Feb 10, 2016 01:39PM

Chapters 1-7
By Karena · 17 posts · 121 views

last updated Feb 08, 2016 08:28AM

showing 4 of 4 topics view all »

What Members Thought

Oct 18, 2013 Beth (bibliobeth) rated it liked it

This fascinating novel is one I have been meaning to read for a while, and have finally managed to get round to. It was a choice for one of my book clubs, and there is certainly enough material to make an interesting discussion! The story itself takes place on another planet (the aptly named Solaris) which Kris Kelvin a psychologist has come to study in co-operation with two other scientists. This is due to the absence and yet presence of life in the form of a great ocean that covers the entiret This fascinating novel is one I have been meaning to read for a while, and have finally managed to get round to. It was a choice for one of my book clubs, and there is certainly enough material to make an interesting discussion! The story itself takes place on another planet (the aptly named Solaris) which Kris Kelvin a psychologist has come to study in co-operation with two other scientists. This is due to the absence and yet presence of life in the form of a great ocean that covers the entirety of the planet. But is there intelligent life on this planet? Well, if intelligent life means that a planet can reproduce beings from the scientists past, namely Kelvin’s long dead wife Harey, as touchable creatures that can interact, then yes, that is probably quite intelligent! Heartbreakingly, Kelvin’s wife committed suicide when she was quite young, and returns to Kelvin the age she was when she died, while Kelvin himself is quite a bit older in the present time, and it is not surprising that he finds her return very difficult to deal with and accept. I found the beginning parts of this novel incredibly creepy and atmospheric, and it appeared to hold a lot of promise regarding where the story was headed.

However, the rest of the story does not focus on the difficulties between Harey and Kelvin as much as I would have liked, and was particularly heavy on the scientific aspects of the alien species. And I say this as a scientist! While I found some of the science intriguing to read, it seemed slightly too much when I was hoping for a more emotional connection with the characters. The author was clearly passionate about what he was writing nevertheless, and I’m definitely glad I read this novel even if some parts were a bit hard to handle. In particular, the way the ocean seemed to be communicating with the scientists was interesting, and slightly disturbing when you look at the story as a whole. Apparently the story has been made into a film more than once, the most recent one starring George Clooney, although I haven’t seen either. There has been criticism that the most recent adaptation focused too heavily on the romance between the two main characters, but I am still slightly intrigued to see how it comes across. If anyone recommends it please let me know!

Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.wordpress.com ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Jun 06, 2013 Alexia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

When this book is good, it's amazing, when it's not it can be potentially a bit dull when describing the tech.

The way the author makes you feel the tension, frustration and helplessness is outstanding. I did enjoy immensely how the fact that the alien being was a body of water. An amazing study of anthropomorphism, what makes humanity and to interact and describe with a being who you have absolutely nothing in common with. It's a study of love, regret and guilt.

I enjoyed it, however it definitel ...more

Like · see review