A highly entertaining read. Simak's voice and outright command of language and imagery are superb. He puts unimaginable concepts into words that elucidate even as they mystify. His nods towards philosophy and the frequent humor are welcome amongst the prevailing typical sci-fi prose. [SLIGHT SPOILERS BELOW]I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the three beings, and that is what probably kept me reading more than any other aspect. I also loved the personalities of the talking houses and only wish there was more of that. The Brownies were a cute touch, if not a little too convenient. As someone else noted, the pacing in the first half is phenomenal, addicting even, but the second half slows down considerably while at the same time covering a larger passage of time. The result made it seem slightly meandering, like he was filling the rest of the required space long after the revelations and exciting bits had already come and gone. While he did delve a bit into philosophy and religion at the end, he only scratched the surface of what, I'm sure, could have been a profound exploration of cosmic concepts. Having seen what a great writer he was up until that point, it seemed lazy or perhaps just tired. [BIGGER SPOILERS]I found the "twist" at the end to be a bit ham-handed and unnecessary as well. However, everyone loves a happy ending and I suppose I can't blame him for that. It was just a little too convenient like other aspects of the story.[SPOILERS OVER]All things considered, it deserves my 4/5 because it was gorgeously written, compelling enough to get me to finish it in just a few days, and touched on some fascinating topics more relevant to us now than ever. Had Simak explored his own ideas just a little further and filled this work in, it could have been 5/5.
I love Simak. City and Way Station are absolute gems and I think he doesn't get enough attention. His voice is so strong and unique and is funnier than most of his level peers (with the possible exception of Robert Sheckley). That said, this is a minor piece straining to be a bigger one. Philosophical to a fault in a way that, unless your last name is Bradbury, you ought to leave a little less wrought.Still, it's intriguing and very funny in parts. There is often an almost Looney Tunes-ish mania about his work, with houses arguing about their own wallpapers and diners using mechanical arms and conveyer belts to cook flapjacks.An easy, fun read that doesn't quite pay off in the way it seems to be heading towards, but still worth a look.
What do You think about The Werewolf Principle (1994)?
A great book that deals with the philosophical meanings of humanity and identity. Even though the beginning may start you out thinking this is a werewolf tale, it is not. Andrew Blake is human, but he is also more than that. The internal dialogue between the main character's inner selves is brilliantly realized, and even has a bit of humor thrown in to help alleviate the inherent anxiety. The personalities found within the talking flying houses, with each room being unique, is amusing as well as memorable. I found this book to be imaginative and whimsical, and enjoyed the story even though the latter half seemed a bit rushed and too quick to end.
—Michael Hall
Was it just to surprise myself when I chose to re-read The Werewolf Principle by Clifford D. Simak? I have pleasant memories of reading a couple of Simaks at the same time in the 70s and picked this one at random for a revisit.Though published in the 1960s, it reads more like a 1950s novel when it comes to multiple predictions about the future (yes, the ever-popular flying cars and space travel, though people still have to walk across the room to answer a phone with optional visuals) and the then popular small cast of characters, but - that's just at first glance. As with many of Simak's stories, there is more to it.In essence Simak is a down-to-earth (sorry, couldn't resist that with a SF-writer) man from rural Wisconsin born 110 years ago who began publishing in the 30s. He was a humanist through and through, and a religious man though the latter has never caused an atheist like myself any problems.I hate and will always avoid spoilers, so suffice to say, the unfortunately since misleadingly titled 'Werewolf Principle' is about an astronaut returning to Earth and about harmony between multiple species.I recommend Simak in general, and count this one among his better books; though it is dated, it has a certain charm.
—Tom Loock
