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I didn't read much Sci-Fi to be able to compare this novel to the others. In fact, it is more about symbols, psychology and people than about science fiction. The plot takes place on Earth, thirty years after an alien visit close to a small town.

The politic power established a military guard for the Visiting Zone, to prevent the stalkers to steal the alien artefacts and sell them to private collectors. Nevertheless, the same power uses Institute employees to research the Zone and bring the same artefacts for scientific studies.

These artefacts are symbols of knowledge and information. Who has them can make a big step in the future, using a new technology, but the regime fears about unauthorised usage. The stalkers are tough characters, very determined men, yet honest. They risk their lives to enter the Zone, but they don't value enough their life and don't know how to live it in a different way.

The society exploits the Zone and the stalkers, more and more people come to town trying to make a living there. The Zone is literally robbed, except for one particular artefact, globe-shaped, that is said to fulfill any wish. Will the stalkers succeed in finding and bringing this globe out of the Zone? Will they use it for their onw wishes?