by David Brookes

One of the most important science-fiction novels ever, “Solaris” describes the events aboard an observation platform above a possibly-sentient planet. The main character Kelvin is there confronted by what’s left of the science team, and by solid manifestations of what could be the planet Solaris’ intuitive power: Kelvin is visited by his dead wife Rheya, who gives every appearance of being the troubled woman she says she is.

Part scientific speculation on possibilities of extra-terrestrial life unlike the traditional aliens we’ve so far imagined, and part psychological exploration into in the hidden abyss of the recessive, guilty mind, “Solaris” serves as a genuinely unmissable volume for any sci-fi reader. The first person narrative drives the story completely, although some of the descriptive narrative focusing on the planet’s various idiosyncrasies, however fascinating, are occasionally drawn out too long, resulting in a temporary halt on the momentum of the engrossing plot. The few characters are well drawn by Lem, who is fantastic at putting the reader on the wrong foot from the outset – he manages to surprise and shock the reader consistently.

In fact, “Solaris” is one of the very few examples of sci-fi horror, often mistaken as “psychological thriller”. It’s probably the only book to thoroughly scare the hell out of me, for what that’s worth, and the descriptive prose is sparse but actually unparalleled in style and effect.

I’ve seen neither of the film adaptations, one of which filmed in the author’s homeland of Russia in 1972s, and the other made in 2002 ago starring George Clooney. I can’t say if they accurately reproduce the novel, or if they manage to convey the wonder and majesty of the fictional planet, the hot claustrophobic atmosphere of the station, or the realistically depicted and heart-breaking journeys that Kelvin unwillingly embarks upon. I can only recommend the book as vocally as possible, and hope that even one more person picks it up. I don’t believe anybody would be disappointed by this masterpiece.

About the Author
David Brookes is an author from Sheffield, England. His first novel “Half Discovered Wings” was published Autumn 2009. His site is
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