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mubeenirfan's review against another edition
2.0
This is a speculative fiction considered a modern classic. I picked it up because the theme is around Nazis and how in an alternate world the Nazis & Japs have won the war and divided the world & the US between them. It shows how when the war is over the German experiment continues and how the Germans & Japs relationship is souring with passing time. I did not like the way how everyone in Japan side of things was consulting this old Oracle book for fortune telling and basing their actions on it whereas in Germany people are using rockets to travel cross Atlantic in 45 minutes, building H bomb and landing on Mars. Somehow it gives an impression that the asians are an inferior race even in an alternate reality. Writing gets meta-physical at times which seems besides the point.
Read it only if you have the same love for all things WWII as I have, else skip it. There is a show based on this book, watch that instead (not sure how it is since I wanted to read the book first & will skip the show now). 2 stars for being only Ok.
Read it only if you have the same love for all things WWII as I have, else skip it. There is a show based on this book, watch that instead (not sure how it is since I wanted to read the book first & will skip the show now). 2 stars for being only Ok.
siriuschico's review against another edition
4.0
"Man in the High Castle" didn't captivate me as much as some of Philip K. Dick's other books. It's still a pretty good read though (I still gave it four stars), but surprisingly, it's kinda normal. Out of the 250 pages, the first 200 are a solid alternative history spy thriller. Being honest, as a non-American, the whole Japan ruling America thing didn't hit me that hard (maybe it would mean fewer school shootings, who knows?). But it did make for an interesting backdrop for a spy story that felt almost like James Bond.
One thing that stood out for me was Childan's mental acrobatics. It's crazy how he tries to justify serving a race he considers inferior, all while knowing he's better than them. Poor guy can't live up to his own superiority. And then there's Mr. Tagomi, a super sympathetic and humane character. The way he deals with his own guilt is really fascinating.
But here's the kicker. In the last fifty pages, Philip K. Dick goes all out. We're talking overlapping realities, the I Ching oracle book coming to life, and Juliana revealing herself as this disruptive agent of Chtonic spirit. It's mind-blowing, man!
Honestly, spy thrillers aren't really my thing, but "Man in the High Castle" is a damn good book that becomes freakin' amazing towards the end.
One thing that stood out for me was Childan's mental acrobatics. It's crazy how he tries to justify serving a race he considers inferior, all while knowing he's better than them. Poor guy can't live up to his own superiority. And then there's Mr. Tagomi, a super sympathetic and humane character. The way he deals with his own guilt is really fascinating.
But here's the kicker. In the last fifty pages, Philip K. Dick goes all out. We're talking overlapping realities, the I Ching oracle book coming to life, and Juliana revealing herself as this disruptive agent of Chtonic spirit. It's mind-blowing, man!
Honestly, spy thrillers aren't really my thing, but "Man in the High Castle" is a damn good book that becomes freakin' amazing towards the end.
s4peace's review against another edition
4.0
I was a little annoyed when I started the book. The writing felt abrupt and lacking a rhythm. But as I got involved in the story I started to see how the structure represented the characters. Tagomi was crisp, short and philosophical. Juliana was long, unsure and indecisive.
This book has layers. So many layers about the characters, commentary on the Nazis, a subtle condescension as well as admiration for the Japanese. You can sense the cruelty of the Nazi rule, the frustrating search for perfection of the Japanese and the suppressed discourse of the Americans. Such a contrast to how they are today. The book is a brilliant read. The pace slows down and speeds up almost making it feel like a whirlwind.
I need time to think over all the things I read. Really recommend it. Also, maybe read about the author after you're done with the book. Will add colour to the story!
This book has layers. So many layers about the characters, commentary on the Nazis, a subtle condescension as well as admiration for the Japanese. You can sense the cruelty of the Nazi rule, the frustrating search for perfection of the Japanese and the suppressed discourse of the Americans. Such a contrast to how they are today. The book is a brilliant read. The pace slows down and speeds up almost making it feel like a whirlwind.
I need time to think over all the things I read. Really recommend it. Also, maybe read about the author after you're done with the book. Will add colour to the story!
jupiterjens666's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
maximus09's review against another edition
1.0
The synopsis and conceptualised setting of the book showed incredible potential for a brilliant readable sci-fi piece. Arguably, it was well written as an alternative historical aftermath story, but there was no excitement, cliff hanging chapters or big unexpected twists. I felt myself acting sanguine throughout reading it, expecting the story to pick up and catch me off guard which it never did. It didn’t deliver as nearly as much as I had hoped.
readingrenbo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rabbit_a's review against another edition
3.0
Captivating world building and storytelling. Disappointing ending.
Reading “The man..” is the equivalent of being invited to someone’s home for dinner, introduced to the mise en place of ‘ingredients’/ideas/characters, and then midway through observing the host cook the dishes being escorted out of the back door. The book left me hungry for a witty, cohesive, meaningful resolution.
Reading “The man..” is the equivalent of being invited to someone’s home for dinner, introduced to the mise en place of ‘ingredients’/ideas/characters, and then midway through observing the host cook the dishes being escorted out of the back door. The book left me hungry for a witty, cohesive, meaningful resolution.
tallshmo's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book after watching the show and I found the book to be pretty boring. There are bits and pieces of a good story here, but it never really pays off. The show did a much better job at creating a compelling story with these characters.
anaporras's review against another edition
3.0
This book does a fantastic job at world building but it really lacks in character development. The plot is super convoluted and it never achieves a resolution. The tv show is far superior in my opinion
lionisblue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0