The Man in the high Castle book review tells that it is an award-winning novel by Philip K Dick, an American author. In 1963, Philip K Dick’s novel won a Hugo award. Philip is considered as an innovator of a new literary genre. The book leaves an impression on the world of literature, culture, and science as well. Basically, it is a historical novel about the aftermath of the Second World War.
Overview
The book deals with various themes such as a theme of fate and destiny, a theme of identity and reality and a theme of free-will and prejudice. The author portraits some characters who change to the Oracle if they have any choice. Those who do not change, their free-will gets affected by the Oracle. I Ching is a role in this book that has the ability to change people’s lives and their decisions. His predictions often come true.
He is a leading character in the story, which leads many characters to alter their life by taking bold decisions. Reality vs. fake identity is also one of the most important themes of the story that cannot be ignored. Questions about free-will and fate arouse in the mind of readers, whether fate controls human or they have their free-will? Can anyone arms up against fate or not? And if the people are toys in the hands of fate then what message we can learn from this book?
Character of Childan
In The Man in the High Castle book review, Children uses free-will to take the most significant decisions, but he is not free, and his will is controlled by outside. The author wants to convey a message that we all have to surrender in front of fate and have to act upon, accordingly.
The author knits all events and scenes coherently. The book is filled with many exciting and hot political debates on serious issues. For example, a spy exposes the intrigue of Nazis against the Japanese. Nazis were plotting to use nuclear weapons against them. This information creates a horrific atmosphere and fear among the people. In such a horrible situation, Frank Fink struggles to hide his Jewish identity, assuming a fake name and earns his livelihood by creating antiques in a factory. Frank’s wife Juliana develops a relationship with an Italian truck driver to explore some secrets.
And Children trades these antiques to the Japanese for earning money, but he has to lose his dignity. However, an in-depth review of The Man in the High Castle tells us that the author has painted real characters instead of painting conventional heroes. They fight against their fate and destiny like real human beings. They do not possess any superhuman quality like that of classic heroes.
Multiple Themes
The Man in the High Castle deals with multiple themes such as false realities, artificial identities, personal control, national identity, history, prejudice and colonialism, and fascism.
False Realities
The story of the novel deals with false/fake objects and even persons. As I have observed the role of Frank in the story. How does he produce original looking Jewelry out of fake jewelry and sales out with the help of Childan?
The Man in the high Castle book reviews that fake objects may have authentic effects, so the readers come to know at the moment when Tagomi uses his ancient revolver for defending Baynes.
Artificial Identities
The Man in the High Castle book review clearly shows the assumed artificial identities of the people. For instance, Frank’s identity is revealed later because he is afraid to show his Jewish identity. Baynes also has to hide his identity as he shows himself as a Swedish businessman but as the story of the noel advances, he reveals that he is basically a German spy.
National Identity is Important Element
The theme of national identity is a mandatory feature of this book. German, Japanese, and American are in a constant struggle to explore their national heritage. And they are confused to secure their national identity. We can also observe the theme of patriotism. Particularly, Americans are anxious to save their own identity while observing the culture of other nations.
History of “The Man of the Castle”
The man of the Castle is basically a historical novel that reveals the ugly and brutal truths of World War II. The aftermath of World War II has modified the face of the earth. And the lives of the people are greatly influenced by War.
Prejudice and Colonization
An in-depth study of the book explores that society has been dramatically affected psychologically. While reading this book, I have observed that colonization has greatly affected society psychologically.
Theme of Fascism
Fascism is the known theme in the novel. Fascism exposes the political climate of the German Reich. The Man in the high Castle book reviews brutality of fascism.
Two Types of Irony used in “The Man in the High Castle.”
The Man in the High castle book reviews the types of irony, such as situational irony and dramatic irony. The writer has added ironies to create an amusing situation for the readers so that they do not get bored while reading a serious and historical novel.
Conclusion
Thus, we see the combination of two literary genres together in the book: fiction and history. In this way, Philip Dick creates some confusion in the mind of readers, but they do not get exhausted and read it to the very last line with great interest. The portrait of Grasshopper adds some more confusion in the story. Dick, however, succeeds to produce an innovative book in literature.
The Man in the High Castle is an award-winning book. I want to recommend you to read this book if you are a lover of knowing the historical background and aftermath of World War II. You’ll surely enjoy it. The Man in the High Castle is a worth reading novel.
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