Valis by Philip K. Dick
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Book Reviews of Valis
Book Review: NOT a book about madness, sadistic games, deception, pain
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is PKD's story based on gnostic Christianity, or at least attempt to combine SF genre and give some kind of explanation of time, space,philosophy, closer to science.
I read it twice and enjoyed it, although some of the last events in the book require maximum attention !!!
Although story is elusive, you must get this one, it makes you think, and gives you references to Greek classic philosophers.
Book Review: I couldn't get into it
Summary: 1 Stars
I really love PKD. A Scanner Darkly is one of my absolute favorite novels, and I've enjoyed everything else I've read by him (though some of his short fiction is a little weak), but I just couldn't get into this book because of the writing style. I get why he wrote the way he did, all disjointed and surreal/postmodernistic, since it is a story of mental illness, addiction, theology, paranoia, conspiracy, and philosophy. But I've never been able to get into this style of writing (I really tried to read Burroughs). I need more of a storyline or at least something more linear.Book Review: PKD's finest book in my opinion
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Phillip K. Dick's finest novel in my opinion. He wrote it at what I think was the peak of his artistic abilities: he has freed himself from the confines of traditional science fiction ("The Game Players of Titan" and "Time Out of Joint", two good novels from earlier in his career, both suffer from trying to fit into a standard sci-fi model), while also becoming much more comfortable with his style and with himself.
VALIS is a semi-biographical story. The first time I read this novel, it hit me so hard that I literally felt drunk for about a week. I have never had a book affect me like that; it literally stunned and dazed me. Over the years, I make a point of re-reading VALIS about once a year. Each time I read it, I get a different feel for the book, as I personally grow and mature as a person. This book provided me with insights into spirituality and religion that I never got for any other source, and opened my mind to less mainstream views on these topics.
If you are a PKD fan, this book is a must (along with the other 2 books in the VALIS series [not sequels, just in the same theme], "The Devine Invasion" and "The Transmigration of Timothy Archer"). The only book of PKD's that compares in quality is "A Scanner Darkly" (which also had a significant impact on me). If you are not a PKD fan, I also recommend this book, but keep in mind that it is not representative of his overall body of work.
J.Ja
Book Review: Conspiracy Theology
Summary: 3 Stars
Wow! This novel is akin to a beautiful train wreck. Unnerving, intriguing, bizarre, and potentially relatable. There are fleeting moments of lucidity intermingled with delusional streams of religious prattling. Admittedly, something I can rarely stomach, but appealing when combined with a historic, educated slant. The characters are interesting, with dimension to their actions, but most of the time regurgitating Dick's own newfound religious conclusions. Currently, and I'll explain why I say "currently" in a moment, my overall impression is that it was too tangential to vigorously enjoy. Some parts I found fascinating, others redundant and irrational. But, I can't help but feel that this was intentional. Though the real question is whether it was an enjoyable read. The short answer is yes, to a point. I found it fascinating to watch a great writer descend into madness, which seems to be the case from the biographical material I've come across about him during the time of this book's completion.
It occurred to me throughout the reading that Dick was not only weaving an intricate plot line, but purposely involving the concepts thematically into his own life. Like Dali and his egregiousness behavior in the public eye, purposely falling out of windows, obvious attempts at gaining attention. It occurred to me that perhaps Dick was performing a show of his own. One which would leave a lasting impression on those who studied him beyond his death. If intended, I concur that it worked. If not, opinion concludes he truly was on the brink of insanity.
Upon finishing the book I feel a bit let down, compared to my responses regarding the two other PKD works I've read. The Man in the High Castle and The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch. Though, reflecting over it now, I feel I may be coming to the conclusion that my initial responses to those other two novels weren't held in as high regard as my current opinion. I feel a comparison to Asimov's writing would help fit my impression. Asimov is a renowned sci-fi author because of the ideas he has written about, not necessarily the prose. This is something I've read in other reviews of his work upon many occasions. Dick on the other hand, has magnificent prose, and well structured writing. I'm not going to reverse the analogy and state that his concepts don't compare to Asimov's. Absolutely not. But I feel that Dick's ideas aren't immediately noticeable. Like a pebble's wake in a pond, there is a delayed wave effect as to when Dick's concepts hit you, and they repeat (congeal) this with each introspection. Perhaps I will leave this novel thinking it was decent and be content with my immediate impression, only to find a year from now that I'm able to see its genius. Either that, or I'm really just a romantic who is a bit disappointed in an author previously held in such high regard.
Book Review: Gnostic visions and sacred musings...not your typical science fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first book by Philip Dick. I am now reading the follow up to Valis, "The Divine Invasion". I was motivated to pick it up because of the several references to Dick's work in another amazing (non-fiction) work by John Lamb Lash, "Not In His Image: Gnostic Vision, Sacred Ecology and The Future of Belief". If Dick blows your mind, this book by Lash will also, and it provides a lot of insight into Dick's at times bizarre ideas. Dick incorporates images, ideas and narrative (myth) from the gnostic "Sophia" myth. He obviously takes these ancient myths very seriousy, using stories and motifs from the myth to populate this book and perhaps many other of his works. If you are open to some ancient ideas that will seem new and fresh, Valis is sure to intrigue you.