The Man in the High Castle

I've not read much Philip K Dick, but he comes highly recommended from several friends of mine. I've read parts of Ubik, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and A Scanner Darkly but never found them engaging enough to finish. Having now completed The Man in the High Castle, I realise that many of my original criticisms were probably well-founded - confusing plots, odd characters and unnatural and erratic pacing. However, I've also realised that none of this matters. I've really come to appreciate Dick's genius.

The story is set in an alternate reality in which the Nazis won WWII. They control Europe, Africa, South America and the East Coast of the (now former) United States. The story takes place on the West Coast of the USA, now the Japanese occupied PSA (Pacific States of America). Reading all this in the blurb, I expected a highly political plot, centering mainly on events that help flesh out the alternate history Dick has created.

To a certain extent this is correct, but it's such a small part of the overall piece. Dick goes to incredible lengths to create this detailed and thoughtful alternate world and then writes an entire chapter about a character (Mr Childan) struggling with the dilemna of giving a gift to a customer's wife for feeling it would be improper. Another chapter ponders the nature of historicity and authenticity of antiques.

This is not at all a flaw. If anything it's an example of his greatness. Not only does Dick create a vivid alternate world - displaying incredible insight into Japanese culture, Nazi psychology and an uncanny ability to emotionally channel the characters he writes for - but he manages to incorporate in-depth philiosophical and existential discussion.

The novel is unlike any other I've read before. It constantly challenges the expectations of the reader, jumping around unpredictably and always providing food for thought. It's unconventional, interesting and always brilliantly written. This should definitely be on more reading lists. It truly is under-appreciated genius.