This is probably the year I declare Philip K. Dick to be more than “a writer whose works I love” and call him one of my favourite writers of all time. (And can I also say, is anyone else boggled by the sheer volume of one man’s works that has been made into movies?) I am actually still in the midst of reading this collection, so I decided to split this review into two blogs. Based on a reading of the first 10 stories, here’s my top five:
5. Roog
I picked this story for the very unique perspective it presented - I love stories that not only give me a ‘never thought of it that way’ moment, but also inspire me to create wildly different things. This story about a mundane garbage pick-up truck on its routine, and a dog with possible alien encounters, did just that.
4. Upon the Dull Earth
Using ancient rituals, Silvia can summon “angels” whom she believes she is destined to join. When one day she does go over to the other side in a horrific clash with the creatures, her boyfriend Rick goes on a mission to bring her back. The results of his efforts raised this weird tale of God and Time and Existence to horror story, from which there is no escape.
3. Paycheck
Why does Jennings not remember the last two years of his life at Rethrick Construction? Why is he being paid the inordinate amount of 50,000 credits? And at the end of the day, what prompted him to exchange that sum for 7 apparently useless trinkets such as a piece of wire, a strip of cloth and a parcel receipt? This story brilliantly fused elements of crime, mystery and science fiction.
2. Adjustment Team
Is it Reality that we see all around us? Are we really who we think we are? Are there really men in black? In a bizarre tale set in Sector T137, we meet a Clerk, a Summoner, an omnipotent Old Man, and the world they create (or un-create as need be). At a very inopportune moment, in walks the unsuspecting Ed Fletcher, and witnesses what no one was ever meant to. From sudden and complete darkness to empty husks of a once-familiar world, this story was such a brilliant example of unadulterated Science Fiction!
1. Second Variety
I chose this one as my best read thus far, for the sheer finesse with which a lot of themes - sci-fi, drama, mystery and horror - were woven together to form one seamless story. Set in the brutal aftermath of a nuclear war between Russia and the United Nations, the story is about the ultimate terror borne of man and machine thrown into the same war. From the terrifying yet basic “claws”, comes the David and the Wounded Soldier, and that shocking finale involving Major Joseph Hendricks and Tasso.
Happy New Year everyone … here’s to a whole new year of reading and writing :)
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