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I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas Send a noteboard - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM
SOLARIS was written in Polish. Maybe someone will be reading the book in it's original language. For most of us, we'll be reading the novel in some other language.

The English translation is actually a translation from a French translation, so it doesn't even come from the original Polish.

Which language did you read Solaris in? What were your thoughts on the translation... did the language come off as natural or was it an impediment to your reading? What role did the translation play in your impressions of the work?


I would assume that it had been translated directly from Polish, as anything else would be highly unusual in here, but who knows. Can't say the translation really struck me as particularly good or bad (not like this terrible Dr. Zhivago translation I'm still reading...), but then it's been a while.
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 1821 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 621 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1129 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 596 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1073 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1025 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1253 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 993 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 847 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1312 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 634 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1114 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1209 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1024 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1292 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 902 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 854 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 984 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 960 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 930 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 882 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1178 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1160 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1082 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1044 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 563 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 572 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1025 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1107 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1238 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 956 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 571 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1292 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1399 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1148 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1038 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 878 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1009 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 994 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1046 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 892 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 859 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 901 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 1018 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 1028 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 545 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1054 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 1116 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 931 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 849 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 881 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 906 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1091 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1036 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 918 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 974 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 901 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 967 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 975 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 874 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 842 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 827 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 794 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 875 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 912 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 947 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 854 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 959 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 977 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 527 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 841 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 945 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 839 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 821 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1034 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 908 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 1096 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 946 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 921 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1074 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1022 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1065 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 899 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 943 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1272 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 903 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1077 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1231 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 1062 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1029 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 997 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 913 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 985 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 971 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 857 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1020 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 912 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 862 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1185 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 973 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 885 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 1048 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 969 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 528 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 953 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1016 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1001 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1027 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 977 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1240 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1155 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1039 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 880 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1047 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 877 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 882 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 844 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 916 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 961 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 440 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 929 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 1004 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 862 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1005 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 956 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 963 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 897 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1133 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 996 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1007 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 889 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1044 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1045 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 851 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1000 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1016 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 856 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 996 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 960 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 992 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 872 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1011 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 945 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 972 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 876 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 428 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 955 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 881 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 898 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 939 Views
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