A Scanner Darkly

by Philip K Dick, Philip K. Dick
A Scanner Darkly cover
Good Books rating 3.98
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Technical
  • ID: 1913
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780547572178
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

Philip K. Dick's Hugo Award-winning novel, A Scanner Darkly, is a semi-autobiographical exploration of drug addiction and the blurred lines between reality and perception. Set in a near-future dystopia, the story follows a group of friends entangled in the world of substance abuse, with the protagonist, Bob Arctor, working as an undercover narcotics agent while struggling with his own addiction. /n/n The novel delves into themes of identity, surveillance, and the human condition, with Dick's signature blend of philosophical depth and gripping narrative. The book's unique structure and unreliable narration create a sense of unease and paranoia, reflecting the author's own experiences and insights into the darker aspects of society.

Reviews
Reddit - printSF · 2025-10-11
intriguing 4.00

Despite its gritty themes, the book is frequently funny due to its excellent dialogue. It balances serious subject matter with moments of levity.

The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance serious themes with moments of humor. They find the dialogue to be particularly strong, making the book enjoyable despite its gritty and near-future setting. The reviewer also highlights the book's exploration of drug addiction and its impact on individuals and society. They find the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that is both entertaining and insightful.

Quick quotes

    Despite the gritty, near-future setting and the serious themes, the book is funny pretty frequently because the dialogue is so good.

    The book balances serious subject matter with moments of levity, making it a compelling read.

    Dick's exploration of drug addiction is both insightful and unsettling.

Frappe and Fiction · Frappe and Fiction · 2024-01-27
excellent 4.00

The novel is praised for its intriguing sci-fi world and its disturbing exploration of substance abuse. It is seen as a powerful and moving piece of literature.

This novel is both an intriguing exploration of a sci-fi world and a disturbing look at substance abuse. The reviewer highlights how the book effectively blends these elements to create a powerful and moving narrative. The characters and their struggles are deeply affecting, and the novel's themes are timely and relevant. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance its sci-fi elements with its exploration of human issues, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. The novel's dark and brooding atmosphere is also noted, adding to its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    A Scanner Darkly is both a novel about an intriguing sci-fi world and a disturbing exploration of substance abuse.

    It's an incredibly moving and powerful piece of literature.

    PKD really throws everything at the characters which leads to a very dark and brooding atmosphere.

Schicksalgemeinschaft · 2021-06-28
powerful 4.50

The book is a semi-autobiographical account of Dick's struggles with drugs, offering a realistic view of addiction. It is a powerful and personal narrative.

The reviewer highlights the book's semi-autobiographical nature, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. They appreciate Dick's candid portrayal of his struggles with drugs and the impact it has on his characters. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of addiction and its consequences, making it a deeply personal and impactful read. They also note the book's relevance to contemporary issues and its ability to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    The book is a semi-autobiographical story based on Dick's own struggles with drugs in the early 70ies.

    In this troubled period, he took amphetamines full time, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

    Dick's exploration of addiction is both powerful and deeply personal.

Goodreads · 2021-06-28
harrowing 3.40

The book is praised for its dark and brooding atmosphere, with a focus on the devastating effects of drug addiction. The plot is seen as thin but effective in conveying the novel's themes.

This novel is often highlighted for its intense and moving exploration of drug addiction and its impact on society. The atmosphere is dark and brooding, with a plot that, while thin, serves its purpose well in delivering the novel's powerful themes. The characters are not deeply developed, but this is seen as a deliberate choice to emphasize the paranoia and claustrophobia that permeate the story. The ending is particularly devastating, leaving a lasting impression on readers. Overall, the book is considered a powerful piece of literature that effectively uses its sci-fi elements to explore deep, human issues.

Quick quotes

    It's an incredibly moving and powerful piece of literature.

    PKD really throws everything at the characters which leads to a very dark and brooding atmosphere.

    The ending is devastating. There's no other word for it.

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