Lem avoids the tedious trap of hard sci-fi by granting equal time to the philosophical aspects of his alien worlds and his thought provoking and lyrical prose has prompted some critics to call him "science fiction's James Joyce".  (...)  His ideas are impeccable and his pacing - though complex - is captivating.  In an age when ludicrous aliens are usually seen being pummeled by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger it's encouraging that a tale over 30-years-old can come from overseas and introduce so many new ideas.  It's a shame American audiences don't call for translation of Lem's works sooner.

Robert Errera, Lakeland Today