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The Snail on the Slope

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( 4,578 ratings, 320 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Snail on the Slope by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky is a philosophical science fiction novel that intertwines two parallel narratives. One follows a bureaucrat's surreal and baffling journey through a forest teeming with primeval dangers and mysterious events. The other chronicles a researcher’s interactions within a bureaucratic establishment that governs the enigmatic forest, highlighting themes of human nature and existential inquiry.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy thought-provoking and surreal narratives that challenge traditional storytelling structures. It combines an intriguing exploration of a mysterious forest and its inhabitants with philosophical questions about human society and individual responsibility. If you appreciate a blend of science fiction with existential themes and a touch of the absurd, this novel could be a captivating choice.

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The Snail on the Slope

A science fiction masterpiece from the Russian greats, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

ENTER THE ADMINISTRATION

Peretz spends his days navigating the bureaucracy of the Administration, the institute tasked with governing the Forest below. Except no one ever seems to go there, and his attempts only trap him further within the workings of this strange organisation.

ENTER THE FOREST

Candide cannot remember how he got to the Forest, and he is certain he belongs somewhere else. Determined to escape, he finds that all paths lead him round strange bends and into encounters with bizarre creatures.

NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS

This classic SF novel sees Boris and Arkady Strugatsky meditate on how little man can understand of the wider world, and in doing so produce one of the great literary works to come out of Soviet Russia.

The Snail on the Slope explores the paradoxes and complexities of human understanding against a backdrop of an enigmatic world. It challenges readers to dive into a cerebral and philosophical journey that transcends conventional storytelling.

Series: S.F. Masterworks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

This work by the Strugatsky brothers is praised for its subtlety and humour, with reviewers noting its extraordinary vision and demanding nature. It offers what may be the authors' most potent and concentrated narrative, leaving a lingering impact on readers by stimulating deep contemplation. The book is a perplexing yet ultimately fulfilling exploration of humanity's limited understanding of the universe.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473228283

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Arkady Strugatsky (1925-1991) and Boris Strugatsky (1931-2012)

Arkady and Boris Strugatsky began to collaborate in the early 1950s after Arkady had studied English and Japanese and worked as a technical translator and editor, and Boris was a computer mathematician at Pulkova astronomical observatory. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction describes them as 'the best Soviet SF writers' and works such as Hard to be a God, Definitely Maybe, The Snail on the Slope and Monday Begins on Saturdayare powerful and poignant novels that continue to amaze and move readers. Andrei Tarkovsky's much admired film, Stalker, was based on their most famous work, Roadside Picnic.

Read more at http://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/strugatski_arkady

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