36 pages 1 hour read

Stanislaw Lem

Solaris

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Solaris by Stanislaw Lem follows Dr. Kris Kelvin, an interstellar psychologist, who arrives at a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to study its mysterious, sentient ocean. As scientists attempt to communicate with the ocean, it responds by manifesting physical representations of painful memories, including Kelvin's late wife, Rheya, forcing him to confront unresolved guilt and trauma. The book mentions death by suicide and depicts the aftermath of a suicide attempt.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stanislaw Lem's Solaris is often praised for its profound philosophical themes and innovative depiction of alien intelligence. Critics commend Lem's exploration of human limitations and self-understanding. However, some readers find the dense scientific jargon and introspective narrative challenging. Overall, Solaris stands out as a thought-provoking classic in science fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Solaris?

Readers who are fascinated by intricate psychological and philosophical questions in a science fiction setting will enjoy Solaris by Stanislaw Lem. Fans of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series or Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey will appreciate the novel’s blend of deep existential inquiries and high-concept science fiction.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Psychological Fiction

Topics

Philosophy

Science / Nature

Themes

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Self Discovery

Emotions/Behavior: Memory