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The Twisted Worlds of Philip K. Dick: A Reading of Twenty Ontologically Uncertain Novels
Philip K. Dick was one of the most popular science fiction novelists of the 20th century, but the contradictory and wily writer has troubled critics who attempt encompassing explanations of his work. This book examines Dick's writing through the lens of ontological uncertainty, providing a comparative map of his oeuvre, tracing both the interior connections between books and his allusive intertextuality. Topics covered include time travel, alternate worlds, androids and simulacra, finite subjective realities and schizophrenia. Twenty novels are explored in detail, including titles that have received scant critical attention. Some of his most important short stories and two of his realist novels are also examined, providing a general introduction to Dick's body of work.
- GenresScience Fiction
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 7, 2012
Excellent literary criticism of almost half of Dick's novels. The style is serious, but never becomes too academic in tone. Serves also as a good introduction to other literary criticism of PKD. Full notes and index complement the text. A very good reference work.
October 20, 2018
I found the thesis productive and stimulating. The defense of the thesis brings up very interesting aspects, and enjoys ample support from excellent sources. So, this book is well recommended to fans of PKD. Since it requires that you have read most of his novels to appreciate many of the comparisons, it can only really be recommended to fans of PKD. For this audience, it is an excellent accompaniment to the Sutin biography, since they tread quite different ground.
The aspect of the work that I least enjoyed was the final chapters on the Valis trilogy. In part, this is simply my preference for the other books, but I suspect the thesis is also less applicable to the Valis trilogy. Perhaps the game of the rat is less effective when PKD is grappling with his own questions and uncertainties?
The aspect of the work that I least enjoyed was the final chapters on the Valis trilogy. In part, this is simply my preference for the other books, but I suspect the thesis is also less applicable to the Valis trilogy. Perhaps the game of the rat is less effective when PKD is grappling with his own questions and uncertainties?
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews