Book 122: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Book 122: The Man in the High Castle.
Author: Philip K. Dick, 1962.
Genre: Alternative History. Dystopian Fiction.
Other Details: ebook. 274 pages.
Philip K. Dick's acclaimed cult novel gives us a horrifying glimpse of an alternative world - one where the Allies have lost the Second World War. In this nightmare dystopia the Nazis have taken over New York, the Japanese control California and the African continent is virtually wiped out. In a neutral buffer zone in America that divides the world's new rival superpowers, lives the author of an underground best-seller. His book offers a new vision of reality - an alternative theory of world history in which the Axis powers were defeated - giving hope to the disenchanted. Does 'reality' lie with him, or is his world just one among many others? - synopsis from UK publisher's website.
Like Outlander it was watching the TV series that inspired me to seek out its source material in the form of this innovative novel. In this case the term 'loosely based on' is more apt. However, the underlying philosophical basis of the novel is carried through to the screen even with certain dramatic license in terms of the characters and plot.
Like other works I have read by Dick this is a very cerebral style of science fiction and deeply immersed in the philosophy of the Tao and I Ching. I found it very satisfying on a number of levels and having familiarity with the I Ching allowed for a deeper appreciation.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.