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Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas Send a noteboard - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM
Around these parts, we like to discuss the differences between what constitutes Literature and what is categorized as genre fiction. We discuss this division as if there is no real overlap between the two... the different categories define books that simply seek to do different things.

My question is how do you categorize this novel? It is obviously science fiction, but is the story more? Are the themes and elements of this novel ultimately knowable, related to human experience, your experience of life? What elements/scenes really stand out to you?


I wasn't very pleased with this book, I must say; however, there is a very prominent scene in my head. The scene is when Rheya discovered that she isn't human. It really puts the human condition into perspective: what are you, truly, other than what others think of you? When you die, nothing of your consciousness lives on, save the parts instilled into the minds of others. It brings up all sorts of questions about what reality can be precisely defined by (for me, at least).
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 2219 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 826 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1492 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 779 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1486 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1414 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1618 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1352 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 1201 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1794 Views
Yes, I read it. Must be something like... eh. it was before the clooney horror movie came out? *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:23:15 PM 828 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1481 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1609 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1420 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1669 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1313 Views
I am with you on that. It may not be rational or my reasons have to do with vanity Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:18:53 PM 1248 Views
Re: When you look through Lem's page on Solaris covers, that one is the least interesting. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:01:50 AM 1330 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1336 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1319 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1266 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1545 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1545 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1467 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1428 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 769 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 756 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1400 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1490 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1667 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1309 Views
Yes, the version I read was translated from polish. All the names were intact from the original *NM* Dragonsworn - 20/04/2010 12:17:42 AM 828 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1665 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1886 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1552 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1419 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1245 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1377 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1383 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1423 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1277 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1240 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1281 Views
So. Uh. The chick's name was Rheya in the book I read. Not in other translations? Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:42:16 PM 1423 Views
Her name in the original is Harey, it got changed to Rheya somewhere along the way of the wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:49:33 PM 1445 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 747 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1424 Views
Re: I think the translators just thought Harey wasn't immediately accessible as a feminine name. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:59:17 AM 1517 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1317 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1245 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1294 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1252 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1445 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1439 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1277 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1395 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1303 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1386 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1368 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1262 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 1219 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 1206 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 1190 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1235 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1330 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1321 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 1187 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1313 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1359 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 712 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1232 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1351 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1220 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 1176 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1395 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1256 Views
Re: I found it made this stark contrast with his descriptions of his own, more human environment. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:56:40 AM 1481 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1311 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1340 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1442 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1399 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1431 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1257 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1311 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1680 Views
They never claimed to have a monopoly on guiding the discussions. I am just happy they are starting Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:51:01 PM 1270 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1469 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1630 Views
I was originally gonna reply to your previous post, then decided not to. Guess I will now. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:42:15 PM 1476 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1421 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1382 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1299 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1375 Views
The delay to the review is my fault. I've got a mostly finished one. I'm just not happy with it. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:19:35 PM 1320 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1259 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1402 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1290 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1265 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1597 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1332 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1252 Views
I've posted my thoughts on most of those issues in various places in this discussion. Tom - 24/04/2010 05:02:44 AM 1450 Views
Re: I think I'd just like for you to be more proactive and Start A Thread. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:50:26 AM 1339 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 714 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1283 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1388 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1406 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1399 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1359 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1660 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1550 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1429 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1237 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1409 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1283 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1247 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 1243 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1301 Views
It had more to do with recognizing mankind's tendency to imposes their ideas on other cultures. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:35:25 PM 1323 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 609 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1323 Views
I did spend a lot of the book speculating on what the planet was trying to do with those supressed Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:05:38 PM 1384 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1249 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1407 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1316 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1351 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1267 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1531 Views
That is the second time this week that I have heard something about Derrida. Now I am going to have Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:02:56 AM 1409 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1445 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1277 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1405 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1415 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 1207 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1398 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1378 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1231 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1397 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1340 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1472 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1279 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1398 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1317 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1342 Views
Did anyone else do any wondering what their own visitors would take the form of if they were there? Tashmere - 26/04/2010 11:31:27 PM 1252 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 608 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1347 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1238 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1283 Views
Re: You know, the more I think about it, the more surprised I am everyone only seemed to have one. Danae al'Thor - 10/05/2010 10:08:23 PM 1302 Views
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