Roadside Picnic

Interesting Facts

• The book inspired Andrei Tarkovsky to create the film «Stalker», which became a cult classic.
• The term «stalker», referring to a guide through dangerous zones, entered popular culture thanks to this book.
• The plot revolves around mysterious Zones left by aliens after their brief visit to Earth.
• The book's title refers to the idea that the alien visit was like a roadside picnic, leaving behind strange and dangerous artifacts.
• The book raises philosophical questions about the meaning of life, human greed, and the pursuit of the unknown.
• The book describes various artifacts left by aliens, such as «empties», «golden sphere», and «witch's jelly».
• The main character, Redrick Schuhart, is a stalker who illegally enters the Zone to retrieve artifacts.
• The book was banned in the USSR for several years after publication due to its dystopian themes.