Solaris

by Stanislaw Lem
Solaris cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 1908
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780571311576
  • Published: 2014-06-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

When Kris Kelvin arrives at Solaris to study its enigmatic ocean, he is confronted by a disturbing manifestation of a past lover, forcing him to confront buried emotions. The scientists on the station speculate that the ocean may be a colossal brain, creating these incarnate memories, but its purpose remains elusive. Solaris delves into the age-old question of whether we can truly comprehend the universe without first understanding our own inner selves. The novel explores themes of memory, consciousness, and the limits of human understanding, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious and alien world.

Reviews
The Book Shark · The Book Shark · 2025-10-11
excellent 4.50

The book is excellent and thought-provoking, although the film adaptation is also highly enjoyable. It offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

The Book Shark finds Solaris to be an excellent and thought-provoking novel. They enjoyed the film adaptation more, likely because they viewed it first, but the book still offers a rich and rewarding experience. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, finding it to be a compelling exploration of human psychology and the mysteries of the universe. The Book Shark recommends Solaris to readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that challenges their understanding of reality.

Quick quotes

    My verdict is that the book was excellent, and although I enjoyed the Tarkovsky film more, it's likely that was because I viewed it first and it has stayed with me.

    The book offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

    Solaris is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers' understanding of reality.

Paul Harrald · Paul Harrald · 2025-10-11
intriguing 3.00

The book is a profound failure but a generative one, revealing the limits of Lem's philosophical stance. It betrays its own premises in intriguing ways.

Paul Harrald finds Solaris to be a profound failure, but one that is generative in its exploration of philosophical ideas. They argue that the book reveals the limits of Lem's stance by constantly betraying it, which makes for a fascinating read. Harrald appreciates the complexity and the way the novel challenges its own premises, making it a thought-provoking, albeit flawed, work.

Quick quotes

    Solaris is a profound failure. But a generative one.

    It reveals the limits of Lem's philosophical stance by betraying it at every turn.

    He sets up a philosophical stance that the novel itself undermines in fascinating ways.

The Reader · 2025-10-11
thought-provoking 4.00

The book delves into the essence of human existence and the divide between art and science. It's a thought-provoking exploration of our place in the universe.

This review highlights how Solaris challenges readers to consider the fundamental questions of existence and the relationship between the arts and sciences. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the book's philosophical inquiries, noting its ability to make readers reflect on their own perceptions and understanding of the cosmos. It's a book that doesn't shy away from complex ideas, making it a rewarding read for those willing to engage with its themes.

Quick quotes

    Solaris is a book that examines the fundamentals of our existence and place in the universe.

    It questions the divergence between the arts and sciences.

    The book's true power lies in its ability to make us question our own understanding of reality.

Reddit - printSF · u/printSF · 2021-06-20
amazing 4.00

The book is an amazing exploration of sentience and intelligence. It challenges readers to define and understand these concepts.

The reviewer finds Solaris to be an amazing exploration of sentience and intelligence. The novel prompts readers to question how they define and understand these concepts, making it a thought-provoking read. They appreciate the book's ability to delve into complex philosophical questions while maintaining a compelling narrative. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the novel's ability to challenge readers' perceptions of intelligence and consciousness, making it a standout piece of science fiction.

Quick quotes

    Solaris as a novel is an amazing exploration of the idea of sentience and intelligence.

    How do we define it? Human intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept.

    The novel prompts readers to question how they define and understand these concepts.

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