MARION HILL

Book Review 17: The Transmigration of Timothy Archer by Philip K. Dick

by | Jan 20, 2012 | 2012 Book Reviews, Book Reviews | 2 comments

Well, I finally decided to read one of Philip K. Dick’s novels. Since he’s one of the giants of the science-fiction genre and I’m a reader of it, I thought the time was right to check him out.

Some of you would have told me to read either Man in the High Castle or Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said, considering these are his most popular and well-received novels.

But, The Transmigration of Timothy Archer, intrigued me the most and I believed it would be an excellent first Dickian novel to read.

So what is this novel about?

The Transmigration of Timothy Archer tells the story of an Episcopal Bishop, Timothy Archer, who is determined to find the true identity of Jesus Christ.

Timothy Archer learns about the existence of some ancient scrolls from the Zadokites, a Jewish sect who were around before the time of Jesus.  The bishop believes those scrolls would reveal Jesus’ true identity. He decides to go to London to determine if they are the real thing.

However, the novel’s narrator, Angel Archer, who is the Bishop’s daugther-in-law shows him to be a smart, charming, but deeply-flawed dilettante.

Through Angel, we can see Timothy began to lose his way because of a relationship with a mistress, the death of his son, and the questioning of his faith and position as a bishop.

Moreover, Angel came off as cold and cynical and I didn’t care for her throughout most of the story. But, Dick’s strengths as a writer came through in this novel by having  compelling characters and essentially creating a philosophical and spiritual page turner.

Overall, I’m glad I read the Transmigration of Timothy Archer. While, I don’t think this novel will be everyone’s cup of tea. But, it was one of the more interesting and insightful character-oriented stories I have ever read.

2 Comments

  1. James Hutchings

    Hi,

    Apologies for the off-topic comment, but I couldn’t find a contact email for you.

    I recently put out an ebook of my writing, called ‘The New Death and others’. It’s a collection of short pieces, mostly dark fantasy.

    I was wondering if you’d be interested in doing a review on your blog.

    If so, please email me: news@apolitical.info. Let me know what file format is easiest for you, and I’ll send you a free copy.

    You can download a sample from the ebook’s page on Smashwords:

    http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126

    I’m also happy to do interviews, guest posts, or giveaways. Just let me know what you’d prefer.

    Yours,
    James.

    Reply
    • kammbia1

      James,

      You can send your ebook to my email address: kammbia1@gmail.com. Just send me a note here on the blog that you have sent it.

      Thanks for letting me take a look at your work.

      Marion

      Reply

Leave a Reply to kammbia1 Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *