Reviews

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

iacin's review against another edition

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reflective

5.0

adampm97's review

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

I enjoyed this but for it being one of Dick's most acclaimed novels I was somewhat let down. I really prefer the speculative parts of this to the more metaphysical/mystical ones, which is what the main thrust of the novel ends up being. Still, conjures up interesting images, particularly when talking about the new caste systems and the Nazi actions in Africa

woodpusher's review

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3.0

Un argumento excelente (aprovechado muy bien para la serie de televisión) pero pareciera que el autor lo concibió de igual manera como inicio de algo que seguiría desarrollándose... y no fue así.

lspringer72's review

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challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

justinreadsalot's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

skull_servant's review against another edition

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2.0

Este libro no conectó conmigo. Imagino que la historias especulativas del tipo "What if" no eran tan populares en 1962 como hoy en día. Por lo general, no suelo disfrutar este tipo de novelas, salvo que la premisa tenga un propósito temático, en lugar de ser algo meramente "divertido" de leer. Sin embargo, Phillip K. Dick explora ciertas implicaciones filosóficas, y hasta gnósticas, de la naturaleza del mundo alternativo en donde viven los personajes. En este universo los alemanes ganaron la Segunda Guerra Mundial, pero existe un libro, que pone a varios personajes de pies a cabeza, que relata una versión donde Los Aliados fueron los victoriosos; que, a su vez, podría ser la verdadera realidad en donde viven estos personajes, y la primera versión falsa. Y, al mismo tiempo, la versión donde los Nazis pierden la guerra tampoco es en la que vive el lector. Es algo confuso, realmente no lo entendí.
El final es bastante abierto, con planes de Dick de algún día hacer una secuela, lo cual no ocurrió. Y este es el mayor problema que tengo con El Hombre en el Castillo: muchas ideas que no están completamente desarrolladas. Muchos personajes, muchas premisas que, bien están empezando, terminan abruptamente. Quizás debió ambicionar un poco menos en este aspecto (o continuar la secuela).
Entiendo lo difícil que debió resultarle hacer este libro. Lo mucho que debió investigar sobre historia, economía y cultura. En este apartado no hay nada más que elogios, pero sigue sintiéndose como una novela incompleta, que no me dejó satisfecho.

jayseewhy's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a masterfully written look at a rich alternative history. I definitely finished the book wishing there was a whole lot more of it (but I guess that's better than wanting less).

bperl's review

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3.0

A strange conclusion to a wonderful book knocks the rating down a notch. However, the overall impact of The Man in the High Castle is considerable. The idea of “What if we’d lost the war?” is compellingly frightening, and Dick does an admirable job exploring the cultural clashes, warring ideologies, and downright hopelessness in a beaten world ruled with Nazi iron.

rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition

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3.0

Let's be clear. This is a strange book. But I also kind of enjoyed it. It had its moments when I felt myself zoning out and had to make a conscious effort to pay attention and keep reading. But then there were some things that made me really sit up and think. What if this situation was true? It shows how easily a change in the past could severely affect the future. Every decision that's made could have unbelievable consequences (a timely reminder perhaps). I love the parallel with "The Grasshopper" book that also tells the story of an alternate history. This story doesn't accurately reflect what has actually occurred in history, but it's pretty good for someone just guessing what would happen.

This book took place mostly inside each character's private thoughts and emotions. That's why the plot was thin, but the thoughts gave more insight into this different world than pure actions would, so it worked for this book. Luckily it was just short enough that it didn't get too tedious. Interesting, but strange.

sjsmithdvm's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious slow-paced

2.0