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October 12, 2010
"Roadside Picnic" — Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
This classic 1971 science fiction novella shimmers with mystery each time I reread it in its English translation.
I can't imagine how powerful it must be in the native Russian.
It's as if you're actually there on the ground with the artifacts of an inconceivably advanced civilization's abandoned objects, still possessed of otherworldly powers.
Someday this story will be eclipsed by reality.
But you and I will most likely not be there to learn of it.
In the meantime, you can read or download it here.
Free, the way we like it.
October 12, 2010 at 02:01 PM | Permalink
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Comments
Cryptomaoist Editions: http://www.cca.org/cm/
Posted by: bookofjoe | Oct 13, 2010 4:35:03 PM
the front cover says 'a cryptomaoist edition. I've googled cryptomaoist and cannot get a definition...any clues?
Posted by: jo | Oct 13, 2010 3:16:12 PM
That's so awesome. I just gave my copy away, now I've still got one!
Incidentally, this book is the epitome of "show, don't tell". There is so little expository text, but it still paints an amazing picture of the world.
Posted by: Andrew | Oct 12, 2010 7:38:01 PM
Just bought Stalker. Find it here: http://amzn.to/a1z0Zv
Posted by: 6.02*10^23 | Oct 12, 2010 6:35:29 PM
Yes, "Stalker" is a wonderful film, far too sophisticated and subtle to stand a chance commercially in the U.S. Well worth seeking out on Netflix et al.
Posted by: bookofjoe | Oct 12, 2010 4:56:19 PM
Great Russian director Andrey Tarkovsky created deeply philosophical movie "Stalker" based on the novel. I believe that Cameron or Spielberg would create one more stupid action movie. No, it will be better if they don't touch it.
Strugatsky brothers' works had a huge on my personal development. Go ahead and give it a try, it will surely make you better.
Posted by: flakelviv | Oct 12, 2010 4:35:30 PM
I read it when you first recommended it. Now, I wonder if a Spielberg or Cameron might do it justice with a CGI film?
Posted by: 6.02*10^23 | Oct 12, 2010 2:47:42 PM
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