Solaris

Interesting Facts

• The novel is set on the planet Solaris, which is covered by an intelligent ocean capable of materializing human memories and subconscious fears.
• The Solaris ocean creates so-called 'phantoms' or 'visitors,' which are embodiments of deeply hidden memories and feelings of the people on the station.
• The main character, psychologist Kris Kelvin, arrives at the Solaris station to investigate the strange phenomena occurring with the crew.
• One of the central questions of the novel is the challenge of contact with an alien intelligence and the impossibility of fully understanding another being.
• The novel raises philosophical questions about the nature of human consciousness, memory, and guilt.
• Solaris has been adapted into several films, the most notable being Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 film and Steven Soderbergh's 2002 film.