A review by scholastic_squid
The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

3.0

The Coming Race -- I must have heard this title somewhere (quite probably Ancient Aliens) and downloaded it. I was not sure what to expect, all I knew is that it was on my Kindle and I should read it. I gave it a shot and it turned out to be a decent book that was written in 1871; which by all means is quite incredible. The concepts within this story are fantastic, full of detail and what we would consider today - steam-punk-esk mechanisms. Bulwer-Lytton writes with such detail, such tenacity, that one would actually believe that he indeed discover a hidden world beneath the surface of the Earth. If there was some portion of the community you would question, it's as if almost immediately he answers you. He covers: death rituals/practices, marriage customs, agriculture, architecture, energy usage (the almighty VRIL), time, community, government, careers, other cultures below the Earth besides the one he resides with and more. There is almost no stone left un-turned. It deserves a second read I think, so I may do that sometime in the future. Males vs. Females is a prevalent topic in this book. He consistently mentions how males are the shy species and females are slightly larger and pursue greater knowledge than the males in this world. He also compares females quite often to those 'back home', and claims to have a couple females (at least) desire him and almost instantly offer marriage to him. He also said how females will, when married 'hang up their wings' and pursue whatever it is the husband is devoted to, but never BE better than him at it (even if she is). Females also change the color of their attire to show their relationship status. What I did find interesting is that males still hold government/community positions of power? I feel as though if females were supposed to be the more dominant species here, that they would hold some offices as well? Maybe he went over that and I missed it... Other than that, a great book full of fascinating ideas for the 'future' and I'll be sure to watch for any frog-like people coming out of the earth.