Reviews

It is always interesting to read older science fiction to see how the author envisions the future yet carries along habits and things from the present, like people in the future still printing on paper, reading newspapers, and driving cars that fly in the same manner as we drive cars today. Still, this title is one of my favorites despite or perhaps because of its idiosyncrasies. The philosophy of the future, rigidly enforced relativism, is also a leap for the author, spelling out clearly where he thinks we are headed.

jimmypat's review against another edition

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3.0

This is the 19th book in a series I am calling “quarantine life.” With all of our public libraries closed due to the corona virus, I have turned to my own bookshelves and the unread books awaiting me there.

This book had lots of big ideas, enough for at least four novels, but Dick wasn’t really able to pull it all together. The most interesting part of the book was a look at a relativistic society and the hell that it brings. It was like holding up a mirror to modern times where everyone must accept everything, but if you dare speak for the existence of objective truth then you are not acceptable.

tag0519's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoy PKD's earlier works (books and short stories). These are a little more straight forward than his newer stuff. The later works get a little stranger (in a good way). Could be attributed to his increase in self-medicating.

jonmhansen's review against another edition

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4.0

Books where a character can see the future reliably are weird, and this one is no different. The problem is always that an unchangeable future locks in every character, even the one who knows what's coming. So I always question it when things always work out for the precog. They can't use their knowledge of the future to their advantage, they just have to try and look surprised when it happens. Having said that, this is reliably weird PKD, with mutants and paranoia and heroin pills and giant space amoebas.

david_agranoff's review against another edition

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3.0

So in 1956 in his second novel PKD felt the need to make the point that Hitler was bad. There is also a story about eugenics and bred for Venus test-tube babies, a society based on relativism,a circus with sex-changing performers and lots more. Crazy considering it was released the same year that Elvis had his first hit single. If you want to get my review you'll have to listen to the third episode of Dickheads:

https://soundcloud.com/dickheadspodcast/ep-3-the-world-jones-made

thesillyoldbear's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

triplecitrus's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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