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Yes Camilla Send a noteboard - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM
Trying to decide if I'm going to re-read it, but it seems most of the talk is about the translation and if someone is going to read it. Anything really to say about the actual story and any themes it might have?


Is this theme about the difficulties of communication with alien life forms a recurring theme in his other books? If so I don't think I would read anything else by him, but if not and he touches on other themes then I would probably consider picking something else up by him. Just curious.

His Master's Voice is entirely focused on that question, and it is a very important part of Perfect Vacuum as well, at least in one of the fictional books he writes about.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 2243 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 837 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1517 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 791 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1510 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1439 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1638 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1382 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 1221 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1813 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 854 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1506 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1628 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1440 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1696 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1334 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 1265 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 1354 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1360 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1342 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1292 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1571 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1567 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1492 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1448 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 782 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 770 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1431 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1523 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1685 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1329 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 844 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1687 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1912 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1584 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1441 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1271 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1399 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1410 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1452 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1302 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1262 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1306 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 1446 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 1467 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 761 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1444 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 1544 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1339 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1271 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1314 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1285 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1480 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1459 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1301 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1420 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1326 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1404 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1395 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1284 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 1243 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 1230 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 1212 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1252 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1360 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1348 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 1213 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1331 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1388 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 722 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1257 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1372 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1244 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 1212 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1422 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1287 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 1510 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1328 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1363 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1465 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1418 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1456 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1280 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1330 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1703 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 1289 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1497 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1657 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 1496 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1445 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1420 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1317 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1400 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 1337 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1292 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1426 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1311 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1288 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1625 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1359 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1271 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 1480 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 1361 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 732 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1306 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1411 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1433 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1434 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1378 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1686 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1578 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1455 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1266 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1436 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1301 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1267 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 1263 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1331 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 1352 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 623 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1348 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 1404 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1273 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1431 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1337 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1369 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1289 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1565 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 1433 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1473 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1303 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1425 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1439 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 1223 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1423 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1399 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1255 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1418 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1365 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1492 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1305 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1419 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1338 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1364 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 1275 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 623 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1373 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1260 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1306 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 1326 Views
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