Tag: Science Fiction

The Time Machine by H G Wells

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

So, I am probably as surprised as you that I am a H G Wells fan. However, ever since I read ‘War of the Worlds‘, I have continued to enjoy his books.

The book that helped me to the end of 2022, and to reach my reading goal (with mere hours to spare), was ‘The Time Machine’. Another fantastic novella that was ahead of its time.

The unnamed narrator takes us on his journey into the future, where he discovers what appears to be a peaceful and idyllic world. However, he soon discovers that deep below the surface is a race that is ready to destroy such a world.

For a book that was published in 1895, it was clearly very ahead of its time. However, I think it is probably more startling that, in some ways, the warnings in this book are just as important now as they were over 100 years ago.

There is so much to unpick here; the desire for mankind to have the ability to act almost God-like as they develop their understanding of science, for one. But, also, how easy it might be for the divide between the light and the dark to become so extreme that it will become even more dangerous than we all already know it is.

I am definitely going to continue to read the books of H G Wells, because I just find them fascinating, especially as they all seem to be so relevant today, despite their age.

Have you ever been surprised by any of the classics?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

If you want to ensure I read a bookl that I probably should have done already, get Chris Riddell to illustrate it.

‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ is 42 years old and to celebrate that fact , an illustrated edition was released. And it is wonderful; it certainly made me pick it up.

This is another book that I am not sure why I have not read before, especially as I remember it being on a list of recommended reads from my Year 9 English teacher, Mrs Dove. It is also something that my parents have always enjoyed, and my sister has definitely read it. However, now I gave and I really enjoyed it. This is quite a comical adventure, as our hapless hero, Arthur Dent, travels the galaxy with Ford Prefect after the end of the world as he knows it.

It is a quick read, but good fun, and Chris Riddell’s illustrations portray the colourful characters perfectly, bringing the galaxy to life. Although small parts may slightly date the book, it is still a comic tale – even for those of us who are not fans of science fiction.