We Can Build You in Philip K. Dick

Nov 15, 2016 Michael rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebook, own, philip-k-dick, dead-tree-edition, science-fiction

Probably the science fiction novel with the least amount of science fiction content that Philip K. Dick wrote. Ostensibly about simulacrums but focused on mental illness and the question of what defines a human being.

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Apr 25, 2015 Tyler rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi, pkd

How can you not love a book that features an Abe Lincoln robot?

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Sep 17, 2014 Cliff Jr. rated it really liked it

Just a warning to anyone thinking of reading this who's not already a Philip K. Dick fan: This is not really a sci-fi novel! Sure, a couple of major characters are robots, and it is set in a sort of dystopian future, but it's not really about that. It's more about obsession and mental health and... business? It really is all over the place.

As a fan (this was PKD book #33 according to Goodreads), I found myself cringing a few times at clumsy wording and the awkward behavior of certain characters, ...more

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Oct 06, 2009 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: philip-k-dick

I agree with most people on the aspect of this book slightly losing its main focus, or the feeling of it losing its focus.

Or maybe this is just a common interpretation?

PKD was too advanced to simply forget how he was going to ultimately blend in all the elements. That's what I feel. I am confident enough in him to believe that he knew exactly what he was doing. At least in terms of plot, and the overall story blueprint.

'We Can Build You' was not as impeccable as perhaps 'VALIS' or 'Do Androids D I agree with most people on the aspect of this book slightly losing its main focus, or the feeling of it losing its focus.

Or maybe this is just a common interpretation?

PKD was too advanced to simply forget how he was going to ultimately blend in all the elements. That's what I feel. I am confident enough in him to believe that he knew exactly what he was doing. At least in terms of plot, and the overall story blueprint.

'We Can Build You' was not as impeccable as perhaps 'VALIS' or 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' (which I've read), yet it presents a richness that is typically embedded in PKD's work.

It was as comical as any of the novels I've read of his; I hardly laugh aloud when I read books. Not to mention, the unexpected outcomes in the later stages of the novel are quite stimulating and metaphysically poignant.
As ridiculous as those circumstances may be in reality, he offers a logical explanation as to why Louis obsessed with Pris, and the subsequent breakdown of his rationality.

So, when I look at the big picture of 'We Can Build You', I see characters motivated by a spark; these 'simulacra' which seem promising to deliver a new range of possibilities for technological and commercial
success. You can detect judgmental errors on behalf of the proponents of the 'simulacra' who get knee deep in proprietary issues and who give way to a higher power (Sam Burrows) without even considering the stakes.
What once was a commercial endeavor becomes an exploited failure, and eventually an act of sabotage to revert things to how they once were.
All the while, our narrator--Louis Rosen--is becoming increasingly obsessed with a woman who irritated him to begin with. A complete paradox taking shape--a man growing to love what he once resented. Yet, Pris even foreshadows this obsession midway through the novel with her analogy of yellowjackets digging their way out of a sand trap.

The further I read into this novel, I felt it became increasingly stimulating. I have labeled just a few notable aspects, yet the novel is so rich in detail and profoundness.

'We Can Build You' is not perfect, and it's plot line does not amount to anything epic or suspenseful. It is a hidden gem that may only appeal to those familiar with Philip K. Dick, or anyone who want to arouse their senses. The onset may deceive what the ultimate focus or centrality to the story is, yet it is never a bad thing to not conform to anything the reader expects.

8/10 or 4 stars

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Aug 05, 2011 Themistocles rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi, p-k-dick

A rather confused book to tell the truth, and probably a case of PKD having some great ideas and then cobbling them together. But still, PKD's brilliance shines through. ...more

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