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4.64k reviews for:
The War of the Worlds (illustrated version): with biography and text analysis
H.G. Wells
3.6 AVERAGE
4.64k reviews for:
The War of the Worlds (illustrated version): with biography and text analysis
H.G. Wells
3.6 AVERAGE
challenging
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had high hopes for this book, and did tolerate it enough to finish it all the way through, but was disappointed nevertheless. The beginning was very promising and fast paced, but as the book went on it felt like it was dragging through each scene more and more. I expected more and felt that the ending was a huge let down.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So this book was a lot more tame and a lot more full of directions than I’d expected. The sheer amount of place names required a map to keep track of. It was pretty clear that this book was a metaphor for invasion of a terrestrial kind and the author’s own personal feeling about how people would handle mass terror. The second half was definitely stronger than the first as the story finally got to the meat of its theoretical argument. I found the artilleryman’s rant and his power of persuasion to be an interesting highlight showing off how delusional people can rally up those who are suffering and struggling. The end of the book was also strong as he left off with the fear never really going away but learning to live with that fear.
Right up my alley, since I was always annoyed with naivety so predominant during my childhood, where media praised Aliens as friendly and wise - you know, they will come and make this planet suddenly peaceful and loving - the unknown species might as well be some giant insects ready to gorge on whoever they find on planet Earth. I genuinely believe that life forms here very possibly reflect life forms somewhere out there, but in a changed size or shape - so rather than a gentle, friendly E.T or wise Yoda, I expect Aliens might come as cockroaches or octopuses. H. G. Wells shared my opinion, because his Martians are definitely not here to teach us how to be kind and wise - they suck the blood out of us and burn everything on their path. Interestingly, this is not your typical adventure novel with a heroic character winning the fight - everybody here is relatively selfish, inconsiderate or simply mad with fear. People are looting, breaking into empty houses, stealing horses and trampling each other in panicking crowds. I find it all surprisingly realistic, dark and very gripping.
The exciting story of how ten meteors shoot to the earth from Mars. To everyones astonishment, creatures and plants come out and start taking over the earth...
I was expecting quite a slow and boring book, but due to the colourful descriptions, it was engaging enough to enjoy the read.
I was expecting quite a slow and boring book, but due to the colourful descriptions, it was engaging enough to enjoy the read.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
I think perhaps Orson Welles' radio program was ten times more fascinating than its source material. I have never been so excited to read a sci-fi classic only to be bored to death by the geography lesson within. The book is 75% "this is where this road is, in relation to this town in England," 20% anticipation that something may be about to pop off, and 5% disappointment leading up to more geography lessons. At least the Martians and their technology were well thought out and imaginative. I'm just glad to mark it off the list and put it in a Little Free Library somewhere for another poor soul.