Finished Fr 9/9/11
THE GANYMEDE TAKEOVER embodies the strengths and weaknesses of most of Philip K. Dick's work. He conjuers wild and masterful ideas, yet his storytelling is sometimes sub-par at best.
In this novel, which he co-wrote with Ray Nelson, the Earth has been conquered by an alien race of worm-like beings. Nearly all of the planet is under their control except for a small group of Black Nationalists operating out of what was once, Tennessee, USA. Dick employs robots, telepathic abilities, a Bureau of Psychedelic Research, vid-phones, ionocraft bombers, a machine which induces wild hallucinations which Do Not End, and other science fiction gambits, yet he is really attempting to develop and present the psychological differences and personal dilemmas of the characters. Also, the author adds an extra dollop of satire through the use of a kind of antiquated racism between some of the characters. The novel was written in 1967, and at that time the US was in the midst of a backlash against the nascent civil rights movement, and the emergence of Black Power.
And, one of my favorite aspects of a Philip K. Dick novel are the odd and quirky names of his characters. Here are a few from THE GANYMEDE TAKEOVER:
Dr. Rudolph Balkani
Joan Hiashi
Percy X
Ed Newkom
Paul Rivers
Gus Swenesgard
Lincoln Shaw
(Alien Names)
Marshal Koli
Mekkis
This is a short novel, and chock-full of strange and compelling ideas, but a rather clunky story-line with little resolution. But, if you are a fan of the Dick genre this is a 'must read', and it is also a good starting point if you are unfamiliar with his work.
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