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Classic Radio Sci-Fi  By  cover art

Classic Radio Sci-Fi

By: Stanislaw Lem
Narrated by: Ron Cook, Joanne Froggatt
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Publisher's summary

Protagonist Kris Kelvin arrives at a scientific research station hovering above the surface of Solaris, where research has been ongoing for years on the strange ocean life form. When Kris and his colleagues become more aggressive in trying to force contact with Solaris, the ocean's response is to experiment with the researchers' minds by confronting them with their most painful and repressed thoughts and memories through the materialization of complex human constructs. Kris is confronted with the manifestation of his deceased wife and his guilt over her suicide, but whatever seems to be tormenting the other researchers appears to be much worse.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

What listeners say about Classic Radio Sci-Fi

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Classy, intelligent sci-fi

It took me a couple of reads to get into this story when I first read it. Lem is not your average sci-fi hack. Even the movie with George Clooney was difficult to watch (mainly because it, like the written story, breaks many sci-fi rules). This audio play may be the best way to experience Solaris, and to understand what is going on. It is elegantly directed and performed. It's not for whizz-bang sci-fi fans. This isn't Asimov. But if you're ready for something different, this may surprise you. If you already know Lem, it will please you.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hauntingly beautiful

Would you listen to Classic Radio Sci-Fi again? Why?

Yes, this was very well done. Every time i listen i get something else out of it.

What other book might you compare Classic Radio Sci-Fi to and why?

Not sure about other book but this is even better than the 2002 film and i didnt think it possible.

What does Ron Cook and Joanne Froggatt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nice job, characters felt so real... I could feel Kris's pain, his longing to be with his wife again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Can miracles be cruel?

Any additional comments?

Please make more of these adaptations, like other stanislaw lem books. Really fabulous job with this. I can listen to it over and over and over.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable listen

This was a very enjoyable listen on a long road trip. Performances were terrific. The story was engaging.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sci-fi far from Hollywood style

Solaris is beyond most of sci-fi stories. I mean, the writing is wit and subtle, no clichés or ordinary (and unnecessary) action-fantasy stuff. It is mainly directed to an audience who prefers substantial content instead of flourished scenes. It deals with human mind’s miseries in a very delicate way. Not for the usual sci-fi reader, but give it a chance (this dramatization is less than 2h). Besides, the cast was very well chosen, an amazing performance. The music in the background fits beautifully too, although it could be a little bit lower at some points, but nothing that would compromise this astonishing work! A five stars without restriction!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Overall a gem

The book has very interesting ideas and is simply marvelous. Performens from rhe acters was great. I had one and only trouble overall. Not everything was clear in the audio from sounds: like sounds of closing doors sometimes sounded like a blowtorch or a fire starting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Well Done

Solaris is a creepy story that can be approached from different directions. Read it as a straight sci-fi story and it works--- if you can handle some ambiguity. It's also a philosophical examination of... well, whatever you like. You can read into it as much as you like. Or not. This dramatization beautifully captures the mood of the novel. Open to interpretation. Recommended.

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