Book Review – The Man in the High Castle

I really should be more consistent with my reviews…
Anyway, today I’m reviewing a book which is very popular at the moment; The Man in the High Castle. It’s set in America in the 1960’s, but in an alternate world where the Nazi’s and Japan won the World War.

Not only is it a fantastic premise but it’s carried off beautifully with characters from all sides of the conflict. It brings up some hugely insightful questions about how things might have gone differently. But more than that, I think given the world’s current political climate it’s a good way of examining how perspectives and beliefs have evolved.

In terms of typos etc. the book was pretty much spotless, so nothing to critique there. I think my only concern was with the ‘reveal’ at the end. I felt it was too… fuzzy? (I’m not sure what word to use for it, if you have a suggestion, please feel free to comment below)… especially given how hard-lined and practical I found the rest of the book.

Other than that, it was beautiful.

I read it close on the heels of 1984 (which I see is rapidly climbing the charts – no big surprise given how the world is right now). While this was a fun story, and I loved the ‘what ifs’ raised, I don’t think it quite has the same depth that 1984 carries. If you haven’t read 1984, please do, even if it’s just so you can laugh (and cry at the same time) over how closely ‘alternative truths’ resemble ‘doublethink’.

But that’s enough politics! Overall, I’d give The Man in the High Castle 4.5/5 stars and strongly recommend it.

Have you read it, what did you think?