"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick (Review)

      "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"                                 Book Review

                    

Basic Info:

Originally published: 1968

Author: Philip K. Dick

Followed by: Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human

Publisher: Doubleday

Characters: Rick Deckard, Roy Batty, Pris, Rachael, Buster Friendly, Iran Deckard, Irmgard Baty, Bryant, Garland, Bill Barbour

Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical fiction

Review: Confusing, interesting and definitely original Sci-Fi novel.

I read this novel a few months ago, and read it again recently, and both times I felt confused and lost when I reached the end. I mean, I understand the issues that Dick is addressing, but I'm completely failing when it comes to figuring out what the author's views are. Normally, in any book, it's pretty clear from the start what the author's views are, but in this novel, Dick views all the topics from every angle, plays around with them, extends the ideas, until I'm not even sure whether he believes in God or not; I think, in the end, that Dick didn't really have any views of his own; only questions, and that's the point of this book, I think; to insert his questions, challenging you to find a solution to them. 

The themes addressed here are numerous; the most important theme being whether it's moral to kill any form of being, (in this question, the android) that has feelings. But there are many other themes dealt with: the idea of a religion invented to create or further empathy, the bliss and pain of self-delusion, and many, many other themes.  So if you don't mind having your mind boggled and twisted, go ahead and buy it! (But this book does feature some mature content, mostly presented in a cynical, almost medical, scientific way, but none-the-less unsuitable for young audiences.)