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libby_bebby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
molliebeth12's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bellezey's review against another edition
1.0
This book was boring as hell it had two short stories the door in the wall and a slip under the microscope
The door in the wall literally made no sense, and the ending was literally what you'd expect from this nonsensical story.
A slip under the microscope was better in how coherent it was but nonetheless boring.
I still want to read to H.G Wells if it's in my fate to do so hopefully i read his better ones next time.
The door in the wall literally made no sense, and the ending was literally what you'd expect from this nonsensical story.
A slip under the microscope was better in how coherent it was but nonetheless boring.
I still want to read to H.G Wells if it's in my fate to do so hopefully i read his better ones next time.
veelaughtland's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
The Penguin Little Black Classics are a collection that I view, for the most part, as an excellent way to be introduced to an author's writing if you're wary about picking up a whole book or collection.
I have already previously read four H.G. Wells books, and I have to say that this little collection is not a good introduction to him as an author. There is essentially no science fiction elements in either of the two stories within this collection, and unfortunately the stories aren't all that interesting.
I preferred A Slip Under the Microscope - it's a story that follows a young man called Hill who becomes obsessed with becoming the best student in his class and beating his rival to obtain the heart of the girl he likes. However, he comes across a moral conundrum in the process. I enjoyed the observation of human desire and competitiveness, but overall I wouldn't say this was an amazing story or anything. (3 stars)
The Door in the Wall unfortunately didn't hold my interest. It had some mild fantastical elements, but overall dealt with a character's misery and regret at not grabbing opportunities that had presented themselves to him throughout his life. It shows the sacrifice of choosing what you feel will benefit your life over what you feel will benefit your heart and soul. I just found it a little dull however, and didn't really like the way the story was narrated. (2 stars)
Honestly? Just pick up The Island of Doctor Moreau. Seriously, it's way better.
The Penguin Little Black Classics are a collection that I view, for the most part, as an excellent way to be introduced to an author's writing if you're wary about picking up a whole book or collection.
I have already previously read four H.G. Wells books, and I have to say that this little collection is not a good introduction to him as an author. There is essentially no science fiction elements in either of the two stories within this collection, and unfortunately the stories aren't all that interesting.
I preferred A Slip Under the Microscope - it's a story that follows a young man called Hill who becomes obsessed with becoming the best student in his class and beating his rival to obtain the heart of the girl he likes. However, he comes across a moral conundrum in the process. I enjoyed the observation of human desire and competitiveness, but overall I wouldn't say this was an amazing story or anything. (3 stars)
The Door in the Wall unfortunately didn't hold my interest. It had some mild fantastical elements, but overall dealt with a character's misery and regret at not grabbing opportunities that had presented themselves to him throughout his life. It shows the sacrifice of choosing what you feel will benefit your life over what you feel will benefit your heart and soul. I just found it a little dull however, and didn't really like the way the story was narrated. (2 stars)
Honestly? Just pick up The Island of Doctor Moreau. Seriously, it's way better.
torpedotrout's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
woolfardis's review against another edition
3.0
Disappointing in truth, but still very enjoyable. Wells is mostly known as being a early Science Fiction writer, and I was expecting two stories of early 20th Century sci-fi to come bounding out of the pages, but all we have are normal stories, one of which perhaps has a fantastical edge to it. Written well, as one would expect, but wholly not what you'd want from it.
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evareading's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
3.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Over the summer I've collected all the Little Black Classics that were published by Penguin to celebrate their 80th birthday! Every now and then I'm reading one of them, and my reviews are mostly some thoughts about each of the books.
I only knew H.G. Wells from his science fiction stories, and then only what I've heard about them. At this point I haven't read any of them. I was a little bit surprised when I was reading this booklet and the two stories featured are no science fiction, the latter which is also the title story doesn't even have any mystery element to it. This said, I didn't think they were bad stories, just not what I had expected from it.
Will I try something else from this author? I'm certainly planning to, but I think I will go for some of the more famous stories next.
Over the summer I've collected all the Little Black Classics that were published by Penguin to celebrate their 80th birthday! Every now and then I'm reading one of them, and my reviews are mostly some thoughts about each of the books.
I only knew H.G. Wells from his science fiction stories, and then only what I've heard about them. At this point I haven't read any of them. I was a little bit surprised when I was reading this booklet and the two stories featured are no science fiction, the latter which is also the title story doesn't even have any mystery element to it. This said, I didn't think they were bad stories, just not what I had expected from it.
Will I try something else from this author? I'm certainly planning to, but I think I will go for some of the more famous stories next.
ishanimaz21's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0