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A review by jill_holly
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
I have way too many thoughts about this book!
It's noted as the "grandaddy of sci-fi" and I can completely see that. I saw the beginnings of alien/monster invasion stories, dystopian worlds, and even nature/weird plant horror, which was unexpected.
What also struck me is how graphic it was. Considering it was written in 1898, I didn't expect it to go into the detail it did in some descriptions. I also noticed that while many things have changed in society, some things simply haven't. The arrogance of humanity that another species could conquer us, the reactions from panic to organization to religious fervour, and how some people think it won't impact them. In 1898 it was because info didn't move fast enough, but now, it might be the dearth of info and misinfo that harms us.
Note there's some casual sexism, but considering the time period, I expected worse.
Glad I finally read this classic, I'm sure it'll pop into my head as I continue to read horror and sci-fi!
It's noted as the "grandaddy of sci-fi" and I can completely see that. I saw the beginnings of alien/monster invasion stories, dystopian worlds, and even nature/weird plant horror, which was unexpected.
What also struck me is how graphic it was. Considering it was written in 1898, I didn't expect it to go into the detail it did in some descriptions. I also noticed that while many things have changed in society, some things simply haven't. The arrogance of humanity that another species could conquer us, the reactions from panic to organization to religious fervour, and how some people think it won't impact them. In 1898 it was because info didn't move fast enough, but now, it might be the dearth of info and misinfo that harms us.
Note there's some casual sexism, but considering the time period, I expected worse.
Glad I finally read this classic, I'm sure it'll pop into my head as I continue to read horror and sci-fi!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Gore