BOOK REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION: THE MAGELLANIC CLOUD, A NOVEL BY STANISLAW LEM

Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! How are you doing? Today I have a new reading recommendations to share with you: The Magellanic Cloud by Stanislaw Lem. Its original title (in Polish) is Obłok Magellana. The title of the book refers to dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky way galaxy.  As the title would imply, this book is about space travel and as such it falls into the science fiction genre.  This book was a  five star read for me. I absolutely loved it. I listened to an audio-version of it on repeat. Seeing that I didn't have an actual copy of this novel with me to take photographs with, I did some creative edits and collages with different editions I found online. The first outfit I shared is a recent one (another example of me shopping my closet) while the other outfits you'll see in collages are from my old reading updates. 

Stanislaw Lem was a Polish writer of Jewish descent, mostly known for his science fiction writing. His works have been translated to 40 languages. You might have noticed that I've been reading a lot of Lem this year. What can I say? It was love at first sight with me and this writer. I'm surprised I haven't taken him up before, considering that I love science fiction. Well, it is never too late to fall in love with some writer. I think we can conclude that Stanislaw Lem is my writer crush of the year. I just cannot get enough of his writing. 

THE WHITE TUNICS: LAST WORN HERE, THE STRAW BAG: LAST WORN HERE, THE GREY SKIRT:  WORN HERE, THE  KITTEN HEELS: HERE

THE MAGELLANIC CLOUD, A NOVEL BY STANISLAW LEM 5/5

 I've listened to an audio version of this book on repeat for two months (and that is why it has been on my goodreads reading shelf for so long). I found the narrative easy to follow, even if the pacing wasn't always balanced. Indeed, The Magellanic Cloud is an oddly paced novel. Some readers might struggle with this kind of narrative, but if you're familiar with Lem's philosophical writing style, you'll feel right at home.  Set in distant future, the plot of this novel focuses mainly on a voyage from Earth to Alpha Centauri system. However, that is only a part of this novel. 

THE KIND OF BOOK THAT MAKES YOU THINK

As I will explain in my review, The Magellanic Cloud is a wonderfully complex novel. It might not be action packed, but there is plenty material to keep a reader interested. Lem is a writer known for his psychological and philosophical writing and this novel is a great example of that. The ending part of the novel seems a bit rushed and even slightly confusing but somehow when it comes to Lem's writing that doesn't  seem to matter. The book seems perfect as it is, even if the pacing isn't what you expect. The sudden ending didn't bother me at all because there is such power in Lem's writing. This is a novel that speaks volumes about human relationships and has some really memorable characters. It is not a typical page turner. The Magellanic Cloud is the kind of book I enjoy reading slowly, the kind that makes me think and that stays with me. 

THEMES EXPLORED  ARE  TYPICAL OF LEM: HUMAN PSYCHE IN RELATION TO SPACE TRAVEL, FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND FIRST CONTACT

Now, when it comes to themes this book explores, they are typical of Lem. Much of the novel seems to be focused on the individual and collective examination of the human psyche in relation to space travel, space isolation, technological developments and progress of future society. As pessimistic as Lem's views of the first contact generally are, he is sometimes optimistic about the development of the future society. This novel is an example of Lem being more on the optimistic side of things (although not as optimistic as the original version that was censored by the communist party implied). By that I mean that the original version of this novel was censored in an effort to make communism more appealing- making it look unreasonably optimistic. Lem resented those changes made by censors for he was ever a realist. Fortunately nowadays we shall all read the original and uncensored version of his book.  While Lem does seem to praise some concept from communism in this book, I don't think this novel is in any way political. It just reflects some social views of its time. 

A VERY DETAILED RECOUNTING OF THE PROTAGONIST'S GROWING UP

The novel opens with a detailed account of the protagonist's childhood and growing up. The first person narrative was so incredibly convincing, I felt like I was listening to a friend telling me his life story. Later on when I did some research, I realized that much of the initial narrative seems autobiographical, i.e. there are definite parallels with Lem's life. Perhaps that is what makes the narrative so convincing, the fact that it was drawn from personal experience. At any rate, the author was right in opting to write The Magellanic Cloud as a formative novel, a bildungsroman if you will. It makes the story flow naturally. Both the future society described and the protagonist are described in detailed. The writer managed to make this story of growing up in a future society quite convincing.  

FAMILY AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP EXAMINED IN THE MAGELLANIC CLOUD

Future society is often a subject of Lem's writing. What is the foundation of every society? Family. Indeed, family relations cover a lot of space in this novel, whether it comes to the protagonist's account of his childhood or his adult years. The protagonist is at the centre of the novel but his family and friends are put into spotlight as well. Lem often writes in detail about friends or family members of the protagonist. Moreover, this novel often focuses on human relationships. There are quite a few interesting observations made by Lem about marriage, love and family life. Some of them I found incredibly touching. Once the protagonists gets on the space ship, these observation do not stop. Quite on the contrary, what we can read is a detailed account of various personalities travelling to the Magellanic Clouds. Many different work and personal relationships are examined, often turning into separate episodes of sorts featuring different 'heroes'. For example, there is an episode that deals with a pilot who has lost his memory but it returns to him and he remembers a love that wasn't returned. His account of how that unrequited love was so incredibly powerful it made me cry. 

THE PORTRAYAL OF PROTAGONIST'S FAMILY AND HIS LOVE INTERESTS

I found the portrayal of the protagonist's family to be absolutely fascinating and convincing. I swear the grandmother of the protagonist is so alive in my mind, I'm half convinced I actually met her.  The grandmother is a fascinating character. She's a widow who is quite focused on her youngest grandchild because she is convinced he will be an artist. That's the reason why our protagonist often gets away with things as a kid, he gets pardoned because everyone (under the influence of grandmother) believes in his artistic sensibility. However, his path will be one of science but that will become evident as the novel progresses and our protagonists grows to be a young man fascinated with space. During his growing up, other family members play a part in his mental and emotional development: his siblings and parents. The relationship between the protagonist and his father was quite touching. There is a moment in a book when the protagonist realizes (in an instant of mental enlightenment) that his father was a great man and he decides to study medicine to honour him. It happens when his father has a retirement party and suddenly there are all these people present who tell him about what a great doctor his father was and how many lives he saved or changed for the better. It is as if the protagonist has taken his father for granted his all life but now suddenly he sees him as a real person and wants to establish a more closer relationship with him. I found that moment very touching and the fact that he decided to follow in his father's footsteps. His decision to study medicine is fueled by his desire to understand his father better. It doesn't take his away from his desire to explore space, rather it makes him a more complex and interesting character. Once he gets older and falls in love, the author examines his love relationships as well. On Earth, he leaves behind a love interest- a young woman named Anna. On board the ship, he falls in love and starts a relationship with another Anna. That's when the time comes for him to start his own family.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAYAL OF CHARACTERS

The psychological portrayal of the characters is done with great care and detail, especially so when it comes to the protagonist. The psychological development of the protagonist is done exceptionally well. I think that is what made this novel such as enjoyable read for me. As I explained, I felt like I was listening to a friend narrating his life story. When a writer makes you care about the protagonist, it makes you a more engaged reader. Moreover, everything about this central character made sense. His decision to take on space travel makes perfect sense. The author describes his interest in space travel and exploration, right from his childhood to his adult years. There is a bit of conflict between duty and feelings when the protagonist decided to leave as there is a woman he cares about that is left behind. Once on the space ship, the protagonist has a pretty good insight into the lives of the approximately 200 men and women (plus some children) that make the crew of the space vessel. This enables him to make observations about life onboard the ship and about the possible outcomes space travel might have on people.

WHY IS THE PROTAGONIST A DOCTOR? IT MAKES IT NATURAL FOR HIM TO EXAMINE THE LIFE ON THE SPACE SHIP!

 Lem often chooses protagonists who are analytical by nature and profession, making it natural for them to take on complex subjects. The protagonist of Lem's famous novel is a psychologist and the protagonist of this novel is a doctor. These are two similar profession, both interested in healing people and maintaining their well being. In fact, the future medical progress means that the doctor often serves as a psychologist, many of his patients stop by for a talk. Sometimes, however- the protagonist has to be practice medicine the old fashioned way, for example when he needs to deliver a baby.

 I suspect there are a lot of autobiographical elements inserted in the protagonist. I read somewhere that Lem was so traumatized by delivering babies that was one of the reasons why he gave up on practicing medicine and became a writer. Surely enough, one can draw an autobiographical parallel with this novel- the doctor protagonist of this novel is quite shaken up after a difficult delivery. As happy as the doctor is to help bring a new life come into this world, he also seems traumatized by the potential danger every childbirth poses for the mother. 

The protagonist's profession does allow for him to go into depth when it comes to exploring other people motivations and conduct. Monitoring the health and well being of everyone on board the space ship is  after all the job of our protagonist. Sure, a protagonist who isn't a doctor could be just as analytical about crew life but it is just more natural for a doctor to ask certain questions. 

WONDERFULLY PHILOSOPHICAL WRITING AND A POWERFUL ENDING

Much of the novel is slowly faced and philosophical. As I said, the ending seems quite rushed in contrast but seeing that I'm familiar with Lem's writing style by now, I can't say the abrupt ending surprised or annoyed me. I can think of other Lem's novels that pact all the action in the final chapters- and I liked those as well. When written well, such an ending can be quite powerful. Altogether, I greatly enjoyed Lem's writing and his reflections on life in this one. Even when his future society projections and predictions seemed too optimistic to be credible, I still enjoyed them in a nostalgic kind of way. I love to listen books like this one while I'm painting. Objectively, this novel might not be a five star read for everyone. Subjectively, I enjoyed it so much I have to give it five stars. A reader who expects an action packed science fiction book will probably be disappointed.  On the other hand, a reader who enjoys a more intellectual and/or philosophical approach to science fiction writing, will probably enjoy it immensely. To conclude, I was very impressed with this novel. So impressed that I do plan to read it again and again.

MY ACRYLIC PAINTING - A PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN WITH BLUE EYES

OTHER WORKS BY STANISLAW LEM THAT I CAN RECOMMEND AND THAT I REVIEWED

EDEN, A NOVEL BY STANISLAW LEM 4/5

 Eden is a first contact novel, first published in 1959. A starship crew consisting of six men crashes on an alien planet they name Eden. Lem had a pessimistic view of first contact and this book reflects that. As the six scientist crew explores the surface of Eden, they are faced with many perplexing puzzles. I remember distinctly one scene where two characters (members of the crew) are arguing. One asks the other: "And what is not a hypothesis here?" and the other answers: "Our presence here". That part of the dialogue got stuck in my head. Indeed, the crew's mere presence on Eden implies moral responsibility, but how can they help the native residents if they don't know what is exactly going on? 

SOLARIS, A NOVEL BY STANISLAW LEM 5/5 

Published in 1961, Solaris has remained popular to this day. This novel has been a subject of many adaptations in various media, from radio dramas, a play, a TV serial, several films to even ballet (in different countries and languages).  Solaris also inspired songs, music and multimedia projects. What is the secret of Solaris' success? First of all, it is a beautifully complex work, philosophical science fiction at its best. Secondly, the themes it explores are still relevant and interesting. Thirdly, the novel is well written and plotted. Fourthly, it is a book that inspired reader's interest and imagination. Finally, it is a book that asks all the right kind of questions, engaging both the heart and the mind of its reader

THE INVINCIBLE, A  NOVEL  BY STANISLAW LEM 4.4/5

Published in 1964, The Invincible  is simply ideal for a science fiction reader that enjoys thought-provoking but dynamic novels. Indeed, The Invincible is in many ways a page turner, a book filled with mystery, a space thriller. Nevertheless, at the same time this novel is filled with so many interesting philosophical and scientific concepts that are still relevant. The novel is named after a space ship that takes a crew to a surface of a planet they haven't visited before. Like many of Stanislaw Lem's work, this novel is a first contact story. Nevertheless, there is a different twist to it as the contact is not with 'biological' life. The Invincible is another work of Lem that makes its characters think hard. Similar to Lem's novels Eden and Solaris, the crew landing on this planet Regis III encounters a planet they do not understand. 

RETURN FROM THE STARS, A NOVEL BY STANISLAW LEM, 5/5

Published in 1961, this novel tells a story of an astronaut returning home to Earth after more than a century.The writing is absolutely captivating. What particularly impressed me is how it felt like several novels within one novel. The protagonist of this novel is an astronaut who has returned to Earth from the starts (meaning the outer space) after a period of more than a hundred years. Hal, a former astronaut, finds the Earth greatly changed. So, changed that Hal experiences severe cultural shock. Tennessee Williams said it best- Time is the greatest distance. Lem excelled at both creating this new world and describing Hal Bregg's reaction to it. What was a decade for Hal, was more than a hundred years for people on Earth. 

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