Before Blade Runner there was "The Man in the High Castle" Book Review and ranking on the SF Shed.

Tonight I review Philip K. Dick's Hugo winning novel for 1963 "The Man in the High Castle". I provide a plot overview, talk to what I liked, what I didn't like, put it to the memory test and rank it on the Sci-Fi Shed Ladder. As always, it's a pleasure spending some time with you in the Shed!
In this alternate history novel, the Axis have won the war, and the Man in the High Castle, may just have the answers everyone is seeking.

[@unstopitable]

I read this. novel when I was around 15/17, after Scanner, Flow My Tears, and Blade Runner, and was intrigued by just how different (and interesting) the PKD of the novels and short stories was from Blade Runner the movie. Immediately, I started to see the pattern of (and liked) how his characters were mostly average working stiffs, just trying to survive. I remember being really surprised by the metafictional aspect of the novel. If America had lost WWII, no doubt it would have been very close to PKD's portrayal. As you say, it is a extremely "thought-provoking novel." Though I read it many years ago, certain scenes have stuck with me, and that feeling of dread (of living under an occupation).

[@thesci-fished]

I agree with you, you can truly see a pattern and his brilliance when you read a few of PKD's novels back to back. A lot of his novels deal with the every day guy thrown into weird and wonderfully strange situations. Ranking these novels is always a brain buster but I have been enjoying it.

[@chrisw6164]

I am long overdue to re-read this novel. The tv show was pretty good, but I never finished it.

[@thesci-fished]

Thanks for watching and commenting Chris, I only became aware of the Amazon Prime show recently, I will need to check it out.

[@Coillcara]

I loved the novel, but i felt the concept was so interesting, it could have been 3 larger books rather than the relatively short story. I like the TV series for that particular reason,they have expanded on the story pretty nicely.

[@thesci-fished]

I agree, it's a very interesting concept that could easily have been extended on. That's great to hear about the TV series, definitely added to the list. Perhaps i'll revisit this book one day and share my views of both the novel and tv series. Thanks again for the great contribution.

[@razumijinatreides4691]

It's a really weird novel. It feels so different to other PKD novels which is one of my favourite authors. The concept is extremely interesting, that's for sure, but the execution doesn't work too well for me.

[@thesci-fished]

I find a lot of PKD strange, but I always enjoy it.