This 1961 novel is, oddly enough, set in the Pentagon. A young spy trainee is sent on a secret mission of counter-intelligence. Nobody is authorized to tell him the objective of the mission, the starting point or the risks. It is typical situation for a Lem hero and gives Lem the chance to satirize the reality-bending self-delusions of double-agents, double-double-agents, and double-double-double-agents. This has its inventive and funny parts; his sense of farce is engaging.

Stephen P. (
thelad48) wrote on 11/2/2006...
A classic by probably Eupopes greatest SF author.