A Scanner Darkly

by Philip K Dick
A Scanner Darkly cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 1913
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780547601311
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2011-10-18
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
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A Scanner Darkly is a semi-autobiographical novel by Philip K. Dick that delves into the harrowing realities of drug addiction and the surveillance state. Set in a future American dystopia, the story follows Bob Arctor, a junkie and drug dealer entangled in the web of Substance D, a mind-altering drug that splits his consciousness in two. As Bob, he is a user and dealer, and as Fred, he is a law enforcement agent tasked with bringing Bob down. The novel explores themes of identity, paranoia, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality in a society consumed by substance abuse and surveillance. /n/n The novel is a caustically funny and somberly contemplative exploration of the human psyche and the societal collapse driven by consumerism and addiction. Dick's work is praised for its unnerving and enthralling portrayal of a world where friends become enemies and good trips turn terrifying. The novel won the British Science Fiction Association Award for Best Novel and served as the basis for a Hugo Award finalist film.

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.

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.

The Guardian · 2012-12-17
harrowing 4.50

The book explores the deep fears of a consumer society, highlighting intellectual and emotional collapse. It is a stark portrayal of the consequences of drug use and surveillance.

The reviewer delves into the book's exploration of societal fears and the impact of drug use. They highlight how the novel captures the twilight of intellectual and emotional collapse in a 24-hour consumer society. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to portray the dark side of human nature and the consequences of surveillance and addiction. They find the book to be a profound and thought-provoking read that resonates with contemporary issues.

Quick quotes

    A Scanner Darkly is about a descent into the deep fears of our 24-hour consumer society: the twilight of intellectual and emotional collapse.

    The book captures the paranoia and disorientation of drug use, making it a stark and unsettling read.

    Dick's semi-autobiographical elements add a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

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