Siliki

Siliki is a 1974 science fiction novel by French author Pierre Boulle, published under the pseudonym Charles Fontaine. The novel explores the theme of existentialism in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a future where humanity has been wiped out, Siliki follows the story of an alien entity known as Siliki, who is tasked with studying the last remnants of human culture. Siliki is an alien observer, equipped with a sophisticated robotic body that allows it to adapt to different environments.

As Siliki explores the ruins of human civilization, it grapples with the meaning of existence and the value of human culture. The novel raises questions about the significance of human achievement and the impact of technological progress on society. Through Siliki's experiences, Boulle critiques modern society and the consequences of human actions.

Siliki is often considered a companion novel to Boulle's earlier work, The Bridge to Nowhere, and explores similar themes of existentialism and the search for meaning in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its originality and philosophical depth, while others have found it to be slow-paced and heavy-handed in its themes.

Throughout the novel, Boulle's writing style is characterized by a focus on technical detail and a sense of detachment, reflecting Siliki's robotic perspective. As a result, the novel can feel somewhat abstract and intellectual, but remains a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the face of extinction.