Book Review: Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep by Paul Tremblay


5/5 stars. This novel addresses the dystopia of advancement for the sake of advancement, without a clearly defined meaningful purpose, especially when we cross new technologies with biology and human beings. In the bookstore, this book immediately appealed to me because of the title’s allusion to Philip K. Dick, one of the most seminal science fiction writers of the 20th Century. I have not read anything by Paul Tremblay before, but I feel like this was a great place to start with his canon of novels.


Julia is a former professional gamer whose estranged mother is the CFO of one of the most important tech companies in the USA. When her mother reaches out to Julia for a favor that could be beneficial for both, Julia hesitates but sees an opportunity for a good paying job and a way to (somewhat) address her rift with her mother. Little does she know that her mother might be holding back some information about this job, and what exactly she will be asked to do. One important note: always read the contract/agreement before signing!


Tremblay writes beautiful concise prose and has some unique narrative and  plot devices that make this story stand out, both in terms of the science fiction and the subtle horror elements that drive the plot. This is an adventure travel story that spans time, space, and consciousness. I highly recommend this story to fans of Michael Crichton, PKD, Weekend at Bernie’s, Haruki Murakami, or China Mieville. This is definitely a unique and wonderful ride!

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