Description
DOM
Book summary
In "DOM," the reader embarks on a profound human and space odyssey. The Soviet station DOM, lost in the Milky Way, becomes the gilded cage of its sole survivor, the astrophysicist Viacheslav. Isolated and with no hope of return, the protagonist observes the cosmos while, unbeknownst to him, his homeland disintegrates on Earth. This novel combines science fiction, existential reflection, and a sharp sense of humor to tell the story of the last Soviet citizen, a man who must decide whether to cling to a past that no longer exists or find a new purpose in the solitude of space.
What is it about?
The story begins when the Soviet space station DOM loses all contact with mission control, drifting in the far reaches of the galaxy. Of the entire crew that departed from Baikonur, only the astrophysicist Viacheslav manages to survive. As time passes relentlessly and the possibility of returning home fades, Viacheslav clings to the idea of returning to his beloved Soviet Union and reuniting with his family in Moscow. However, while he watches the silent universe through the hatches of DOM and reflects on an entire cultural, scientific, and technological era, his homeland crumbles on Earth. Viacheslav becomes, unknowingly, the last Soviet citizen, and DOM, his home, the last bastion of the USSR. The novel explores the clash between personal memory and the collapse of an empire, all from the unique perspective of a man suspended in the void.
Main themes
- Radical solitude and existential isolation in deep space.
- The end of an era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union as a historical backdrop.
- Memory, nostalgia, and identity in the face of the loss of a world and an ideology.
- Reflection on the cultural, scientific, and technological legacy of a civilization.
- Humor as a survival mechanism in the face of adversity and absurdity.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in science fiction with a strong literary and philosophical component, rather than fast-paced action. It is ideal for those who enjoy novels that explore the psychology of a character in an extreme situation, with a unique historical-political background. It will also attract those looking for a narrative that combines dark humor with reflection on identity, memory, and the passage of time.
What this book offers
- A unique perspective on the collapse of the USSR narrated from the solitude of space, offering a powerful metaphor for the end of ideologies.
- A complex and human protagonist whose struggle for survival is intertwined with the loss of his world, inviting reflection on identity.
- Polished prose that combines scientific speculation with a melancholic tone that is also full of subtle, characteristic humor.
- A science fiction story that prioritizes psychological and emotional development over technology, offering an introspective reading experience.
Technical specifications
- Author: Desiderato, Adrián
- Publisher: Editorial Pez de Plata
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION, SCIENCE FICTION, HUMOR
- Collection: NARRATIVA PEZ DE PLATA
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: February 2021
- Number of pages: 320
- Weight: 420 g
Editorial review
"DOM" presents itself as an original proposal within contemporary science fiction, standing out for its ability to merge futuristic speculation with a deep look at the historical past. The author builds an oppressive and reflective atmosphere that grips the reader, not through action, but through the emotional density of its protagonist. It is a novel that will resonate especially with those readers who look for stories where outer space serves as a mirror for internal conflicts and changing times.