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This was what I disliked too Ellestra Send a noteboard - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM
It was unnecessary to the book, all around. We got the idea about the "alienness" of Solaris without the extended descriptions. Lem could have even just talked about the cloud types without going into such detail...


I liked the story and I loved how alien the alien was but the endless descriptions of the ocean's constructs were excruciating. The second time I skipped through all of them.


The other question is whether there is a motive for the appearance of the people. Did Solaris just scan the people the way they've been scanning Solaris? Was it trying to say something about our entire approach to it? Was it a more chemical or automatic biological reaction by Solaris but not indicative of sentience? Do we not understand Solaris because we don't truly understand ourselves yet?

The real brilliance of Solaris is that it leaves a huge question mark on existence, understanding and identity without attempting to really provide any answer.


This is also what I loved about this book - the absolute alienness of Solaris. Despite all that happens no questions about its sentience are really answered and no true contact has been made. The incompatibility of humans and the ocean is so vast that one cannot even know if that was truly a try to make a contact and not just some reaction to the whatever was deep in the brains of the research team.

I like that in the end all they've experienced didn't tell them anything about the ocean. It just showed them more about themselves then they were ready to face.
Evolution, just like gravity, works even if you don't believe in it.

Stupidity doesn't hurt but it kills.
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 1999 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 698 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1273 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 656 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1259 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1163 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1403 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1133 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 989 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1490 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 706 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1261 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1380 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1185 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1433 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1077 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 1007 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 1128 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1114 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1100 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1034 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1323 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1299 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1228 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1195 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 631 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 636 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1180 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1273 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1415 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1103 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 641 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1450 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1558 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1311 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1208 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1037 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1163 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1150 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1185 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1045 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1016 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1068 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 1166 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 1201 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 625 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1203 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 1272 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1086 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1014 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1012 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1047 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1219 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1203 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1062 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1140 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1067 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1129 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1140 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1035 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 999 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 980 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 940 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1013 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1083 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1093 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 971 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1104 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1143 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 590 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1006 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1094 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1012 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 968 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1183 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1048 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 1254 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1098 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1093 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1223 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1180 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1213 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1037 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1089 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1422 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 1047 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1227 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1389 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 1241 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1186 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1151 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1071 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1161 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 1115 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1009 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1181 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1066 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1012 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1371 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1131 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1039 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 1217 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 1122 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 590 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1063 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1167 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1161 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1175 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1134 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1396 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1294 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1212 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1039 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1162 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1034 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1049 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 993 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1079 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 1109 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 503 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1077 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 1154 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1005 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1166 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1109 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1105 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1041 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1296 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 1153 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1182 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1049 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1200 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1194 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 996 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1176 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1156 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1014 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1149 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1094 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1168 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1041 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1178 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1090 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1116 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 1026 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 491 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1115 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1018 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1051 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 1079 Views
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