Philip K. Dick's work is a mixed bag. A Crack in Space is visionary in its topics, but not great as a story. There are no issues with the structure of the story or the character development. The plot makes sense. The main characters are fully formed. I just found the plot slow, unconvincing, and the ending felt rushed. The lack of enthusiasm is purely a matter of personal taste.
Regardless of my lack of enthusiasm for the story itself, I do think it is a visionary and impressive work. The themes of racism, population growth, economic disparity, and the stupidity of politicians are all as relevant to our times as they were in Dick's times. It is sad to think that decades after Dick wrote the book racism is still such a big issue for our culture. We elected a black president, but still use racial biases to judge and dismiss him and his contemporaries. Immigration is mired in petty prejudices and willful ignorance. Our economy is stratifying at an alarming rate.
If we had the technology to create bibs, I think we would. It seems like the sort of quick fix that our system jumps at without thought. Hide the problem in a warehouse for now and let the future figure it out.
Read the book. It is not that long. Then spend some time thinking about the world described in it. Is this the world we want to leave to our children?
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