ceeceewills23 's review for:

The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells

4.0

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This book was very interesting. It’s a story of what happens when a scientist decides to play God and the consequences of that decision. The plot was intriguing, but it didn’t fully capture my interest. The characters were well written, but it’s H.G. Wells, so of course. H.G. Wells is very good at describing horrifying things and complex people, with no sugar-coating and none of the edge taken off. Doctor Moreau is basically a monster who created more monsters, with no remorse, simply because he wanted to see if he could. Montgomery is the perfect “Igor” type character, just doing whatever he’s told because he himself believes there’s a bit of divinity in his scientist master. Charles Edward Prendick rounds out the trio of characters as the hapless witness to everything taking place on the island. He’s the reader’s tool to gain exposition and the mirror through which we funnel our reactions. However, there were times when I wanted a smarter mirror. When things start going wrong, I felt like Charles should’ve been a bit quicker to understand and act. Perhaps that way, the ending wouldn’t have seemed so convenient. Overall, this story was fascinating, and there were so many layers to peel off and examine. It’s one of those classics that make you think, which is something H.G. Wells is so good at.