This story is about humans trying to interact with something that is so utterly alien that we can't even understand how it exists. I'm always nervous when male narrators attempt female voices, but this was done masterfully. He gave a magnificent performance, especially with the wife, Harey. Also, I wish I could give 6 stars to the narrator, Alessando Juliani. I don't think it's fair to criticize their reactions as being unrealistic when what they are experiencing is irrational. Two characters have been living like that, the other is suddenly thrust into it.

Like I mentioned above, the characters are experiencing such bizarre events that the first thoughts one might have are that they are hallucinating or dreaming. In response to the criticism that the characters do not react realistically, or like scientists: While this is true at times, I think the reviewers are dismissing the environment that these people are in. If it wasn't there, one might think this was a ghost story, or a hallucination. It's subtle, but for me it definitely shaped the way I thought about what was happening in the story. The following descriptions of strange phenomona on the planet hint at the bizarre circumstances on the station, etc.

The first part that describes the unique properties of Solaris also sets the stage for the paranoia and strange encounters the main character deals with when he first lands on the station. If you've ever stared out at the ocean in awe of the size and mystery of it, this is the type of feeling these sections evoke. Whenever this would happen, I would try to imagine what they were describing. For one, they perpetuate the mystery of the planet. In response that there are long periods of technical description that serve no purpose to the story: I can understand where that sentiment is coming from, but I think these sections are necessary and serve the story in the following ways.

While many are positive, there are also a number of negative reviews with some pretty consistent criticisms. If I had read the reviews, I might have skipped it. I've been wanting to read Solaris for ages, so I didn't bother with reviews when this became available. I tend to read reviews before I buy a book if it's something I'm not sure about.

Stanisław lem's solaris