Fast-paced story. Originally written in the 50's and this adds an interesting quality to this futuristic novel.
I couldn't rate this book in terms of stars because I am basically judging it by two sets of standards--those of 1955 when it was first was first published, and by contemporary standards. For a book written in 1955, it is quite good. Much of the social commentary holds true today, even. However, the sexist attitudes, the chain smoking (even aboard a spaceship!), the idea of people living underground on Neptune or Uranus (mentioned in passing, but still laughable) as well as an old fashioned writing style combine to mark it as the old book that it is. I still enjoyed it though, since I have a taste (tolerance?) for classic science fiction.
What can I say? Dick was pretty consistent even when he wasn't great. These are all pretty good.
The year is 2203 and the Earth is goverened by a bizarre system of random selection wherein public officeholders and the victims of political assination alike are chosen by the luck of the mad draw.
