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A review by katiemoten
The First H.G. Wells Omnibus: The Invisible Man/War of the Worlds/The Island of Dr Moreau by H.G. Wells
3.0
I wanted to read this book before the BBC adaptation airs later this year, and I suspect that the adaptation will make some changes, if not to the basic idea, then to the characters.
The reason I think so is because the characters aren't all that compelling. The unnamed narrator reports his experiences of the Martian occupation, and, while some of what he relates is harrowing, and his reports on the Martians' physiology and ways are interesting, you never have any doubt of his safety and survival. I suspect the previous adapters of this novel have felt pretty much as I do, since they've all, as far as I know, changed the characters around the Martian invasion somewhat. Even the BBC adaptation, I believe, is introducing new characters, and expanding Oglivy's role in the story.
For being called The War of the Worlds it's not a very exciting or expansive book. It should more accurately be called "The Martian Invasion of England", because that's what it is. It's a very anglocentric book, and it's a little infuriating to read about London being the greatest city on Earth. True, at one time, it probably was, but reading that now dates this story in a way which is kind of unfortunate, given that Wells was ahead of his time in so many ways.
Despite my issues, there is something of a criticism of colonialism, or it might just be the narrator's wishful thinking that the British will be kinder and more tolerant, now that they've been subject to invasion by a more sophisticated enemy. He suggests that the war has taught the British pity for those who suffer under their dominion, but I think that might be wishful thinking.
An interesting idea, and new for its time, I think, but not the most exciting story for the subject matter.
The reason I think so is because the characters aren't all that compelling. The unnamed narrator reports his experiences of the Martian occupation, and, while some of what he relates is harrowing, and his reports on the Martians' physiology and ways are interesting, you never have any doubt of his safety and survival. I suspect the previous adapters of this novel have felt pretty much as I do, since they've all, as far as I know, changed the characters around the Martian invasion somewhat. Even the BBC adaptation, I believe, is introducing new characters, and expanding Oglivy's role in the story.
For being called The War of the Worlds it's not a very exciting or expansive book. It should more accurately be called "The Martian Invasion of England", because that's what it is. It's a very anglocentric book, and it's a little infuriating to read about London being the greatest city on Earth. True, at one time, it probably was, but reading that now dates this story in a way which is kind of unfortunate, given that Wells was ahead of his time in so many ways.
Despite my issues, there is something of a criticism of colonialism, or it might just be the narrator's wishful thinking that the British will be kinder and more tolerant, now that they've been subject to invasion by a more sophisticated enemy. He suggests that the war has taught the British pity for those who suffer under their dominion, but I think that might be wishful thinking.
An interesting idea, and new for its time, I think, but not the most exciting story for the subject matter.