noshyira's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ariel937's review against another edition
"They look to me like little white fingers poking out of the brown."
This is the first I've read of HG Wells, and it was quite...interesting. A product of it's time in a lot of ways. At the start, we listen in as two characters, Wedderburn, and his unnamed housekeeper and cousin, discuss the recent death of a young adventurer and orchid collector. Wedderburn feels dissatisfied with his life, and is inspired to purchase the very orchid that was found at the site of the young man's death.
"Men must work though women may weep," said Wedderburn, with profound gravity.
"Fancy dying away from every comfort in a nasty swamp!"
This is a very simple, unsurprising read. I wish the housekeeper played a bigger role in this story. She was actually very funny, and I thought the gender aspect of this story would make a compelling analysis.
"For a moment he thought impossible things."
This is the first I've read of HG Wells, and it was quite...interesting. A product of it's time in a lot of ways. At the start, we listen in as two characters, Wedderburn, and his unnamed housekeeper and cousin, discuss the recent death of a young adventurer and orchid collector. Wedderburn feels dissatisfied with his life, and is inspired to purchase the very orchid that was found at the site of the young man's death.
"Men must work though women may weep," said Wedderburn, with profound gravity.
"Fancy dying away from every comfort in a nasty swamp!"
This is a very simple, unsurprising read. I wish the housekeeper played a bigger role in this story. She was actually very funny, and I thought the gender aspect of this story would make a compelling analysis.
"For a moment he thought impossible things."
jdsutter's review against another edition
5.0
A classic, creepy short story from a master storyteller. H.G. Wells knows how to spin a tale! If you like suspense that borders on the horror genre then this quick read is worth your time.
storyphoria's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable bit of dark fiction I read and narrated for the podcast.
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