Book review:
DEFINITELY MAYBE (1974) by Arkady & Boris Strugatsky
The Strugatsky Brothers' novel ROADSIDE PICNIC was the basis for the Tarkovsky movie STALKER (though the book was very different from the movie).
This novel has a very odd and humorous premise: Some unknown force is trying to sabotage and distract scientists from making a grand breakthrough. These distractions grow increasingly absurd... until a revelation occurs.
The scientist protagonists live in 1970s Russia, a dreary place, and the strange distractions they suffer might be interpreted as a metaphor (i.e. being harassed and obstructed by the secret police).
Even if you ignore the satirical possibilities, the setting feels very real. The realism makes the strange events all the more interesting.
Even if you ignore the satirical possibilities, the setting feels very real. The realism makes the strange events all the more interesting.
I really liked it, but then I'm a sucker for oddball books.
DEFINITELY MAYBE is ”comical highbrow” science fiction, and very surreal.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the fiction of Jorge Luis Borges and ”weird” fiction.
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