This late (1980) novel mixes autobiography and science fiction, drug trips and theologic speculation, into a bewildering brew. Horselover Fat, troubled by the suicide deaths of several women friends and his own suicidal tendencies, argues religion with various friends, including the narrator ("Philip K. Dick"), until all of them catch a cheap science fiction movie called "Valis" that suggests an ancient, greater civilization placed a satellite in orbit to control and guide human destiny. Eventually they meet Linda and Eric Lampton, a couple of saintly aliens who claim to have traveled from Albemuth to present Earth with a new Savior, their daughter Sophia.
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The review of this Book prepared by David Loftus
In Philip K Dick's 1980 novel, Valis, the main character, Horselover Fat, is living in early 1970s California when a beam of pink light zaps him in the forehead. The beam transmits bizzare theological knowledge to Fat. Believing he has been contacted by God, Fat goes on an inner and outer journey to understand what has happend to him. Has Fat simply gone nuts due to the suicide of a friend and too many drugs, or will he find the savior for whom he seeks? Though driven to attempt suicide in a spectacular manner (without success), it seems nothing can deter Fat (Philip K Dick?) in his quest for spiritual transcendance.
The review of this Book prepared by Scott David Mclemore
VALIS is a semi-autobiographical account of PKD's religious experiences. It depicts himself as the main character and his split personality Horselover Fat. Fat searches for God after his religious experience in the book and finds him or something like him in a cheesy sci-fi movie named Valis that is more then it seems. Contains a large amount of theological and philosophical discussion, mostly dialog, little action, but awesome book.
The review of this Book prepared by Trent Dick
