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This book is definitely literature. everynametaken Send a noteboard - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM
Around these parts, we like to discuss the differences between what constitutes Literature and what is categorized as genre fiction. We discuss this division as if there is no real overlap between the two... the different categories define books that simply seek to do different things.

My question is how do you categorize this novel? It is obviously science fiction, but is the story more? Are the themes and elements of this novel ultimately knowable, related to human experience, your experience of life? What elements/scenes really stand out to you?


I would say it is literature primarily because Lem is raising several philosophical questions rather than just telling a story using archetypal characters.

There is not only Lem's main thesis which is that our aspirations for contact with alien life are anthropomorphic in nature and will probably be impossible if it should actually happen. But there is also Lem's jab at academia as well as the implications about Rheya and the nature of the how we perceive others and what is actually in our mind (the person's real attributes or our own perceptions of them).
The deeper things of the book go way beyond storytelling.
But wine was the great assassin of both tradition and propriety...
-Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 1894 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 661 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1192 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 628 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1142 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1087 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1310 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1054 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 910 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1394 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 675 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1177 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1284 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1099 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1355 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 982 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 918 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 1039 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1023 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 993 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 946 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1240 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1221 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1145 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1109 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 599 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 603 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1093 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1178 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1307 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1024 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 601 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1356 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1465 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1208 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1111 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 942 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1070 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1066 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1111 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 953 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 926 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 975 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 1085 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 1099 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 578 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1123 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 1181 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 995 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 914 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 945 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 969 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1146 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1104 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 975 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1038 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 972 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1031 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1051 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 943 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 905 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 896 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 855 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 935 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 983 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1009 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 925 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1024 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1049 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 553 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 913 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1011 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 910 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 883 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1099 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 963 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 1164 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1014 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 989 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1135 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1088 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1139 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 961 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1010 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1336 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 970 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1142 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1289 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 1133 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1091 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1058 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 981 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1059 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 1031 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 930 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1086 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 981 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 924 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1256 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1038 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 951 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 1119 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 1039 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 557 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1009 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1086 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1065 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1097 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1049 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1319 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1211 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1104 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 950 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1106 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 942 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 938 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 901 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 986 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 1028 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 474 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 988 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 1065 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 922 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1080 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1026 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1025 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 964 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1211 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 1066 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1079 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 959 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1108 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1108 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 915 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1083 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1080 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 926 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1055 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1023 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1065 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 952 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1086 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1004 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1037 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 945 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 457 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1031 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 938 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 961 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 1003 Views
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