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A review by callum_mclaughlin
A Slip under the Microscope by H.G. Wells
5.0
Another hugely successful foray into Wells' work. Since there are only two stories in this Little Black Classic, I'll talk a little about them both individually.
The Door in the Wall was fantastic; perhaps one of my favourite short stories ever, in fact. In gorgeous, vivid prose, Wells writes what is essentially a poignant and thought-provoking cautionary tale about not shutting yourself off from the wonder of the imagination, using a perfectly pitched hint of the fantastical. He discusses how, as we get older, we feel an increasing obligation to put our responsibilities over our heart's desire, and in doing so, deprive ourselves of the joy and beauty that is a childlike lust for adventure, risk and creativity. [5*]
A Slip Under the Microscope is linked to the first story thematically in the sense that it also explores the idea of duty and obligation. Wells seems to suggest that honesty is not always necessarily the best policy, and that in reality, lies may sometimes be necessary or at least permissible to get ahead in life. Whilst this is arguably somewhat morally questionable, it makes for a very interesting springboard for thought or debate. Also, props to Wells for showing women studying science in a story written in the 1800s; a time when they were largely shunned from scientific fields of academia. [4*]
When reading the two stories together, the main takeaway is that Wells wants us to go against the grain every once in a while; to follow our hearts over our heads and revel in a little risk-taking. In that respect, I think they work really well as companion pieces, hence the rounding up of the extra half star overall. It's a shame to see that a fair few people have marked this little gem of a book down purely because neither of the stories are strictly science-fiction. Of course, sci-fi was clearly Wells’ greatest forte, but I'm glad Penguin showed us even in this slim little volume what a diverse writer he really was.
The Door in the Wall was fantastic; perhaps one of my favourite short stories ever, in fact. In gorgeous, vivid prose, Wells writes what is essentially a poignant and thought-provoking cautionary tale about not shutting yourself off from the wonder of the imagination, using a perfectly pitched hint of the fantastical. He discusses how, as we get older, we feel an increasing obligation to put our responsibilities over our heart's desire, and in doing so, deprive ourselves of the joy and beauty that is a childlike lust for adventure, risk and creativity. [5*]
A Slip Under the Microscope is linked to the first story thematically in the sense that it also explores the idea of duty and obligation. Wells seems to suggest that honesty is not always necessarily the best policy, and that in reality, lies may sometimes be necessary or at least permissible to get ahead in life. Whilst this is arguably somewhat morally questionable, it makes for a very interesting springboard for thought or debate. Also, props to Wells for showing women studying science in a story written in the 1800s; a time when they were largely shunned from scientific fields of academia. [4*]
When reading the two stories together, the main takeaway is that Wells wants us to go against the grain every once in a while; to follow our hearts over our heads and revel in a little risk-taking. In that respect, I think they work really well as companion pieces, hence the rounding up of the extra half star overall. It's a shame to see that a fair few people have marked this little gem of a book down purely because neither of the stories are strictly science-fiction. Of course, sci-fi was clearly Wells’ greatest forte, but I'm glad Penguin showed us even in this slim little volume what a diverse writer he really was.