Reviews

"There are two wisdoms: the first inclines to action, the second to inaction. Do you not agree, worthy Trurl, that the second is the greater? For surely, even the most far-sighted mind cannot foresee the ultimate consequences of present undertakings, consequences therefore so uncertain, that they render problematical those very undertakings. And thus perfection lies in the abstention from all action. In this then does true wisdom differ from mere intellect."

lawrence_hollom's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Some incredible rhythm and wordplay - hard to believe it's a translation!

charlibirb's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a whole set of "fairy tails" set in a weird SciFi medieval world. Mixed feelings about it. This book feels both banal and totally creative at the same time. Would recommend for the fresh tone.

tgestabrook's review against another edition

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5.0

Clever, charming, and thought-provoking

nobe4's review against another edition

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funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

aclamadoautor's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a highly imaginative book of stories, with quite a unique style. As stated in the title, these are fables for the cybernetic age, meaning that instead of animals there are robots. Most of the stories revolve around two constructors - who are themselves robots and build any and every kind of machine - and their strange travels throughout the universe.

I enjoyed the book, mostly by the inventiveness and creativity of the author, whose style is unlike anything I've ever read: a blend of science, moral, humor and philosophy. However, as someone wrote on another review, I think the stories work better in small doses. If you like science, fantasy and philosophy, you have to read this book.

This was my first Lem experience and I understand why the guy is a legend in the sci-fi world. It is not really my cup of tea, but I will definitely read more from him.

Favorite stories were:
- The First Sally (A) or, Trurl's Electronic Bard
- The Seventh Sally or, How Trurl's Own Perfection Led to No Good
- Tale of the Three Storytelling Machines of King Genius

And a quick quote that I really enjoyed from the Tale of the Three Storytelling Machines of King Genius:

'(...) Suppose that which is taking place here and now is not reality, but only a tale, a tale of some higher order that contains within it the tale of the machine: a reader might well wonder why you and your companions are shaped like spheres, inasmuch as that sphericality serves no purpose in the narration and would appear to be a wholly superfluous embellishment...'

spikespiegel's review against another edition

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funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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