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dustydigger
Posted 2015-05-28 11:50 AM (#10643 - in reply to #10640)
Subject: Re: The Definitive 1950s Reading Challenge		Quote Reply



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Location: UK		OK Jim,I will definitely try Martian Time Slip.
I think I went into Man in the High Castle with wrong expectations. I was interested at first with the alternate history stuff,and was a bit disconcerted when the whole plot seemed to be carelessly(to me) tossed aside two thirds through,when melodrama,murder etc came in. I just found it a bit odd somehow. I do still intend to read Ubik and A Scanner Darkly.Maybe I will finally ''get'' PKD!....maybe...
I also just completed my final book of the challenge,Vonnegut's Sirens of Titan. The usual Vonnegut's savage denunciations of war and christianity. Acerbic,mordantly funny at times,but as usual the unpleasnt characters puts me off a bit. Good writing though,and numerous twists of plot to keep us riveted. One chilling but brilliant chapter was about the Martian army,all with antennas in their heads,sort of proto chips,who are completely controlled by them. Brainwashing was a major concern in the 50s after the Korean War. Lobotomies were still surgical procedures. All very frightening. The brain,brainwashing,psi talents etc were all quite common themes in 50s SF. So as usual I was impressed by Vonnegut,but not enthused. One of the downsides of satire as I think we touched on with his Player Piano early in the challenge. Once again,Vonnegut is admirable for his savage bitter denunciations,but not lovable whatsover.
So now waiting for Doc N's new challenge for the 60s.
Thanks both to him for setting it up,and of course Jim for his fantastic lists. I now have a much deeper grasp of 50s SF. Thanks for the guidance!

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