Solaris (King Penguin S.)

by Stanislaw Lem

A psychologist arrives at a research space station called Prometheus, his mission to ascertain whether research into the mysterious planet of Solaris should be terminated. He finds Prometheus all but deserted, its straggling crew seemingly haunted by hallucinations of figures from their pasts.

• ISBN10: 0571092055
• ISBN13: 9780571092055
• Publish Date: 13 September 1971 (first published 31 December 1969)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 14 June 1991
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Faber & Faber
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 5216
• Language: English

Reviews

[brdsk]

I have read this book many times and it remains one of my favourites. You may even call me a fangirl. *flowery curtsy*

I recommend reading it to anyone even remotely interested in science fiction that explores psychology, science, love, and even religion, as well as philosophy of mind and consciousness. Despite such seemingly big topics it is not a hard to understand book as it relies on us experiencing an alien world together with the hero.

Don't bother reading too many reviews since they may easily spoil your experience with this delicate yet dramatic story. This is a short book that you will likely finish in one day, so even if it does not become your ardent love, it is not a big commitment.

If you have watched the films recently, try to wait awhile to forget them before reading. If you have not watched the films, do watch the 1972 Solaris by Tarkovsky (after reading the book first, ideally), but burn every copy of the junkyard 2002 attempt.

I do hope it will touch your heart and mind as much as did for me.

[empressbrooke]

Have thoughts; must think harder before writing them down.