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A review by rewka
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
3.0
Although TMINTHC is a classic sci-fi book - I just couldn't get into it. The plot is interesting and it definitely has some unique underlying concepts but the story and characters are cold and so far in left field that they are completely not relatable to the reader. I appreciate the complexity of the book itself. It's presents an alternate timeline to history, touches on the concept of the butterfly effect (If Teddy Roosevelt had died before WWII even started, how would that have affected the outcome?), a book within a book (a book about an alternate timeline where the allies won within a book presenting the timeline of the axis having won) that of course is being banned but loved around the world dominated by Nazi forces, and more importantly, it presents a complex view on identity, oppression, and value. I loved all these concepts. I especially loved the underlying reference about how objects perceived value in history is more heavily weighed by their paperwork than by the value objects themselves.
I disliked the constant referring to the I Ching that every character seems to make. I know there is probably some deep meaning about how people place important life decisions in the hands of luck or some arbitrary belief system rather than taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions... but... it gets old. At one point in the book, the timeline of worlds and realities within worlds and realities becomes skewed and unidentifiable. It briefly seems as though the character slips into an alternate future and has a momentary encounter within a timeline that doesn't exist. OR DOES IT? (<--- books that make you ask questions like that are annoying).
TMITHC is a terribly complex book that presents a huge array of literary concepts. I can see why it's a classic but that doesn't necessarily mean it's my favorite. It's very much like understanding modern art. Just because you understand the meaning behind something, it's purpose, and it's message doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy looking at it.
I disliked the constant referring to the I Ching that every character seems to make. I know there is probably some deep meaning about how people place important life decisions in the hands of luck or some arbitrary belief system rather than taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions... but... it gets old. At one point in the book, the timeline of worlds and realities within worlds and realities becomes skewed and unidentifiable. It briefly seems as though the character slips into an alternate future and has a momentary encounter within a timeline that doesn't exist. OR DOES IT? (<--- books that make you ask questions like that are annoying).
TMITHC is a terribly complex book that presents a huge array of literary concepts. I can see why it's a classic but that doesn't necessarily mean it's my favorite. It's very much like understanding modern art. Just because you understand the meaning behind something, it's purpose, and it's message doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy looking at it.