Science fiction · Dystopian
A Scanner Darkly
An undercover narcotics agent is assigned to spy on a circle of friends who use Substance D, a drug that damages the brain. He is also one of the users, and his sense of self begins to split.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1977
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 189
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like bleak, paranoid science fiction about drugs and fractured identity.
Skip this if you want an uplifting read or a plot with a clean resolution.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about A Scanner Darkly
- What is A Scanner Darkly about?
- An undercover narcotics agent is assigned to spy on a circle of friends who use Substance D, a drug that damages the brain. He is also one of the users, and his sense of self begins to split.
- Who should read A Scanner Darkly?
- Read it if you like bleak, paranoid science fiction about drugs and fractured identity. Skip it if you want an uplifting read or a plot with a clean resolution.
- How long and how fast is A Scanner Darkly?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 189 pages, first published in 1977.
- Does A Scanner Darkly have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Addiction, Mental illness.
- Can I borrow A Scanner Darkly for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Scanner Darkly; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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