Roadside Picnic

The Strugatsky brothers' poignant and introspective novel of first contact that inspired the classic film *Stalker*. Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those strange misfits who are compelled by some unknown force to venture illegally into the Zone and, in spite of the extreme danger, collect the mysterious artifacts left by alien visitors. His life revolves around the Zone and the black market in alien products. The nature of his daughter is also influenced by the Zone, prompting Red to make one last, tragic foray into its depths. The book offers a philosophical exploration of humanity, greed, wonder, and the complexities of first contact.