Novel review: Stanisław Lem - Solaris (1961)

NB: I got and recommend the superior modern Bill Johnston English translation.

Another SF classic off my list and a pretty important one since I'm truly lacking in eastern literature.

Universe

Well, more the subject matter than "universe" per se but the idea of a living planet and our attempts to reach it is the obvious highlight. And while the human side of the equation was tastefully expanded upon, the planet itself remains cruelly unexploited in my eyes. Otherwise, a pretty standard "humans in space" setting.

Plot

Not much really, our main character joins the space station then gets his hands full just trying to stay sane. I guess stuff does happen, but I did long for some kind of answer (or at least progress) to the Solaris question instead of the self-indulgent flowery ending...

Characterization

That's the other area where it truly shined, the main character and his personal "apparition" that slowly realizes it's not what it seems are deeply explored in a lifelike manner. Sadly, the two other station inhabitants (especially Sartorius) didn't get enough attention.

Style

Fluid and basically faultless. The insidious and seamless way the creepy atmosphere is built is masterful, like a psychedelic version of System Shock 2. I suppose I should praise the translation too, in this situation.

Conclusion

I loved most of it but not the way it abruptly ended in a way that could make people think that their book is damaged and missing pages. Would have really benefited from a 30~50 more pages to expand on the sci-fi plot part and give it a proper closure instead of using it as nothing more than a canvas for the human drama.