Antony's Library #3 - The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Started Reading: 01st February 2016
Finished Reading: 24th February 2016
Number of Pages: 274
Published: August 2012 (original published in 1963)
I found this book because I was looking for a sci-fi to read. It came up in one of my searches and I recalled that it had also been made into series on Amazon. There were two types of people in the reviews: those who read the book and judged the book by itself - these people thought it was excellent; and those who had watched the series, figured they would read the source material and thought it was terrible because of how different it was. Since I had no prior allegiances with the TV series, I listened to the positive reviews only.
I feel really bad for saying this, but I did not enjoy this book at all. I feel bad because everyone who talks about this book, talks about how it is a 'classic' and is amazing. But that is the problem, I don't get on well with these old 'classics'.
It was one of those books that has deep underlying themes that I am perhaps to shallow to understand and a narrative where literally nothing is happening except for describing and talking nonsense. Only about 75% of the way through there is some action and some exciting story progression and then it ends quickly.
I watched the trailer of the series after I finished reading as I could not believe that they could make a show out of this book and it should have been no surprise that the trailer had almost nothing that had actually happened in the book, i.e. they added a lot to make a show out of it.
It was not a page turner. I had to force myself to get through it. This is sad because reading should be enjoyable, yet it felt like a chore. I could not wait for it to finish.
I have to admit, the ending didn't exactly pay off, although I have since found out that a sequal was intended which is why it was left the way it was left.
So in conclusion, I am going to be extra cautious if looking at 'classics' for the rest of this challenge. Also, if you are thinking of reading this because you watched the show, be prepared for a book nothing like the show (as the show is nothing like the book).
Next Time...
The next book has been highly recommended. It is called The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I am already about 30% of the way through and enjoying it very much so far.