Regarded as a timeless classic, this novel is a first-person narrative of an unnamed protagonist in Surrey and his younger brother in London, as Earth is invaded by Martians. One of the first stories that fantasises with a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race. The novel is one of the most commented-on works in the science fiction canon. The War of the Worlds has two parts, Book One: The Coming of the Martians and Book Two: The Earth under the Martians. The philosophically inclined narrator, struggles to ...
Read More
Regarded as a timeless classic, this novel is a first-person narrative of an unnamed protagonist in Surrey and his younger brother in London, as Earth is invaded by Martians. One of the first stories that fantasises with a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race. The novel is one of the most commented-on works in the science fiction canon. The War of the Worlds has two parts, Book One: The Coming of the Martians and Book Two: The Earth under the Martians. The philosophically inclined narrator, struggles to return to his wife while seeing the Martians lay waste to the southern country outside London. Book One also imparts the experience of his brother, who also is unnamed, describes events as they deteriorate in the capital. The plot has been related to invasion literature of the time. The novel has been variously interpreted as a commentary on evolutionary theory, British imperialism, and generally Victorian superstitions, fears and prejudices. At the time of publication, classified as a scientific romance, like Wells' earlier novel The Time Machine. The War of the Worlds has been popular and influential, spawning half a dozen feature films, radio dramas, various comic book adaptations, television series, sequels and parallel stories by other authors. It has even influenced the work of scientists.
Read Less
I bought this as a gift for grandchildren. I have not heard if they have read it. MJB
Jonathan
Sep 2, 2011
Genesis
One of the first great alien invasion stories. Brilliantly written, the book is able to capture the bitter raw human struggle for survival. As well as creating a scenario that appeals to reason. Excellent book that any fan of Sci-Fi or classic literature must read.
RKK916
Nov 19, 2009
Okay
I was actually a bit disappointed in this book.
Maybe I expected too much. I found there were too many detailed descrpitons of the invading machines.
I enjoyed The Invisible Man more.
However, it is worth reading and I did like it.
Maggie1
Feb 1, 2008
More complicated than you expected
Wells' classic sci- fi novella, which is the basis for so many modern alien invasion stories, follows a simple plot line ie-Martians arrive, narrator flees, hides, flees, Martians die and narrator has survived. However, the writing itself is complex, beautifully detailed, referencing plenty of Victorian era science, using metaphor and simile, and painting a clear, suspenseful picture of terror. The language is more complicated than many would expect and can pose a challenge for some students, but the book is well worth it, and should be a quick read for capable readers.
