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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 2272 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 851 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1548 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 805 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1533 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1477 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1659 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1433 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 1245 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1848 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 876 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1529 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1651 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1468 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1716 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1354 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 1295 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 1377 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1391 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1372 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1321 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1596 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1599 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1512 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1476 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 798 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 787 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1454 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1565 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1719 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1351 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 855 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1712 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1936 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1613 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1468 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1289 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1424 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1441 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1486 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1325 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1287 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1333 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 1472 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 1497 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 772 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1479 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 1570 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1367 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1298 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1342 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1305 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1513 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1484 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1329 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1457 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1347 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1431 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1425 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1313 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 1269 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 1257 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 1238 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1277 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1391 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1379 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 1237 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1354 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1415 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 737 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1280 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1414 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1271 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 1235 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1456 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1323 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 1537 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1358 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1395 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1490 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1443 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1486 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1307 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1360 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1728 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 1316 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1540 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1691 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 1525 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1471 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1449 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1343 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1434 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 1361 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1329 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1446 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1343 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1322 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1650 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1387 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1304 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 1510 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 1394 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 747 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1331 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1436 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1463 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1460 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1404 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1728 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1611 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1494 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1291 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1475 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1333 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1294 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 1296 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1352 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 1378 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 635 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1378 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 1436 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1302 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1464 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1367 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1398 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1320 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1599 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 1465 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1506 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1339 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1449 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1470 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 1251 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1455 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1434 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1282 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1458 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1396 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1526 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1344 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1445 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1364 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1392 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 1308 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 641 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1399 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1287 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1338 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 1349 Views
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