Just a quick post - not about a Book Club book. I finally got round to reading The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick. Not sure why I have not read it sooner, but better late than never, I suppose.
I may have already said, but my main criteria for judging a book are: did I enjoy it? Was it a page turner? Am I sorry to have finished it? Would I press it into the hands of a stranger and urge them to read it?
Well, TMITHC ticked several of those boxes, but my main feeling at the end was: what was all the fuss about? It is well documented what a ground-breaking classic it is, and how it helped to pave the way for alternative histories. But when I finished it, I thought it was an enjoyable, intriguing read, but an all-time classic?
It shows how stupid I am, but I had to read reviews on Amazon, and look at its entry on Wikipedia to appreciate all of the nuances I missed, the many interpretations that could be read into the text.
And on reflection, I love this book. I think in future when I am approaching a hallowed text, I will read the "spoiler" reviews up front, so that I can more fully engage with the book.
What do you reckon?
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ReplyDeleteI tend to read the reviews after the book. Not because I don't want to prejudice the reading - no one reads a book without an accompanying boat load of mental baggage - but because that way the review acts as a refresher. It's almost like reading it again.
ReplyDeleteI never feel stupid though ( maybe that's just a character flaw )Theyr'e more than likely going to have greater insight. That's why they get paid!