Reviews with content warning for Cannibalism - The Time Machine

A story in a story in a story, which is always fun.

Some interesting exploration of humanity and social commentary but. The time traveller is just. So utterly unlikeable. So self-centred, inconsiderate, arrogant and small-minded.

I recognise that’s in no small part a consequence of the time. But it just constantly distracted me from the story and it’s commentary.

Beyond seeking context for cultural references (Eloi and Morlock), I wouldn’t bother tbh.

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arlaubscher's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.75

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bluelizzz's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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trauermaerchen's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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james1star's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Yh this was alright I guess. Basically a time traveller tells the story of the previous week where he used his machine to travel to the future year of 802,701 AD. He sees that humanity has become like a socialist paradise with no toil socially or economically, they all like in large palace like buildings, vegetarians, same size, seemingly genderless and the children are basically miniature versions of the parents. There’s more but yh whateves, I also found it a little strange how much he was able to come up with at first glance and just by looking - bit too much detailed extrapolation kinda I dunno. After looking around he begins to consider there may be something going on underneath with these shafts and sightings of ape-like things so deduces that thousands of years ago humanity split into two species and yhhh they’re a note to it.

Writing was fine, characters ehh not really that developed or likeable, setting was good I guess. Some messages were put forward but nothing too much, maybe more could be taken if read when it was published but currently I didn’t gain much. The actual story was alright, I’m really not a sci-fi reader but wanted to check this classic granddaddy of the genre. I’m glad I did but it wasn’t my cup of coffee in all honestly. Would recommend if it sounds like something you’d be interested in. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Grammer which I think was presented well - he’s passionate, clear and I think if I was reading physically I’d of DNFd it earlier.

Last note: I just felt the relationship with Weener (dunno if that’s how you spell it) was a bit weird cause she’s constantly described as childlike and small and Yhh it was just kinda uncomfortable/cringy.

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