3.0
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3.0
“This is an odd book. But then, it's a Philip K Dick book, so that's to be expected. Ostensibly known as a science fiction writer, many, indeed most, of his novels are about himself. Dick was a troubled man who suffered with his mental health, substance abuse and relationships, marrying five times. He seemed obsessed with what it is to be human, split personalities and alternate realities. Many of his female characters are quite cold and distant and there are often relationships, or desires, between men and younger women (not suggesting anything immoral about the man here, but it's noticeable. I believe his last two wives were a lot younger than him too).
Why I have wittered on about the man so much? Well, understanding this book is understanding the man. It's a book about a small corporation who invent life-like simulcra, of Abraham Lincoln and Ed Stanton, subsequently attracting the interest of a larger corporation, who have plans for them. Our main protagonist is 33 (the same age as Dicks when he wrote this), who falls hopelessly in love with the 18 year old daughter of his colleague. She has schizophrenia and is incapable, and disinterested, in returning his affections, and defects. The novel goes on to explore mental health, hallucinations, humanity, love and lust, rejection and capitalism. It's a fascinating book, although certainly not for everyone, very bleak but endlessly readable. The characters are flawed, not very nice but well rounded, although some of the dialogue is a bit cringey. I periodically revisit this man's bonkers books and really should do more often.”
About Philip K. Dick
Philip K. Dick (1928–1982) wrote 121 short stories and 45 novels and is considered one of the most visionary writers of the twentieth century. His work is included in the Library of America and has been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Eleven works have been adapted to film, including Blade Runner (based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Total Recall, Minority Report, and A Scanner Darkly.
Other books by Philip K. Dick
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