I'm happy to be posting the first guest review! An anonymous reader sent in the following review:
Forget Bladerunner. Sure, the book and the movie contain some characters with the same names in similar situations. You could probably write a plot synopsis that would work for both if you tried hard enough. There are even one or two familiar scenes. However, it will be easier for both of us if I stop writing about Bladerunner and you stop thinking about it.
Philip K. Dick's novel is one of variety. In its short life it introduces a large cast and creates a rich and unique setting. The narrative is unpredictable which, at times, can seem capricious. Mood shifts frequently, characters are complex bordering on inconsistent, and the story slips into absurdity or surrealism more than once. However, I think this is all to its credit. It, unlike so much speculative fiction, does not offer up an obvious meaning. It leaves you with numerous questions and few, and contradictory, answers. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep is art not fable.
Unfortunately, there are also flaws to be considered. Some of the situations can seem unrealistically complicated. Saying gender stereotypes are overused would be an understatement. And there is sexual manipulation that, while somewhat critical, is treated more frivolously than it should be. With these caveats in mind, I do suggest reading it.
Read if you like: William Gibson, Isaac Asimov, Thomas Pynchon, Kurt Vonnegut
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