Roadside Picnic

The Strugatsky brothers' novel "Roadside Picnic" is a thought-provoking, hard-to-put-down masterpiece that explores first contact and the aftermath of an alien visitation. The book is dark, gritty, and atmospheric, with a tone akin to noir works. It is a must-read for any sci-fi fan and has left readers with more questions than answers. The story captures the heart and holds attention, and the ending is left up to the reader.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The Strugatsky brothers' poignant and introspective novel of first contact, "Roadside Picnic," has inspired a classic film. Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those strange misfits compelled by an unknown force to venture illegally into the Zone and collect the mysterious artifacts left scattered by the alien visitors. His life is dominated by the Zone and the thriving black market in alien products. Even the nature of his daughter has been determined by the Zone. And it is for her that Red makes his last, tragic foray into the hazardous and hostile depths.

"Roadside Picnic" is a story of a horrific yet fascinating place, a story of an ordinary and unlikable man just trying to get by, a philosophical interlude on humanity and its significance or lack thereof, of greed and wonder, and the fever dream of the soul scream. It still speaks to readers today, with Goodreads reviewers giving it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings for its intriguing setting, unusual take on alien interaction, thought-provoking, hard-to-put down masterpiece, best introduction to Soviet science fiction, and fantastic and creative exploration of what first contact might be like.

The tone of the book is akin to that of some noir works, dark, gritty, and getting darker and grittier as the tale wears on. Like many great books, the meaning of the ending is left up to the reader. Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, describes the book as "beautifully depressive and wonderfully atmospheric science fiction novel about life on Earth after an alien visitation that leaves humans with more questions than answers."

In conclusion, "Roadside Picnic" is a thought-provoking, hard-to-put down masterpiece that offers a unique and captivating exploration of first contact. Its dark, gritty tone and ambiguous ending leave readers with more questions than answers, making it a must-read for any sci-fi fan. Whether you are a fan of noir works or science fiction, this novel is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399617208