The Official Blurb
War of the Worlds by Herbert George Wells (H.G. Wells) was published in 1898 at a time when he wrote a series of novels related to a number of historical events of the time. The most important of these was the unification and militarization of Germany. The story, written in a semi-documentary style, is told in the first person by an unnamed observer. It tells of the events which happen mostly in London and the county of Surrey, England, when a number of vessels manned by aliens are fired from Mars and land on Earth.
My Review
I have read the book in the misty past, probably 20 years ago, I'm very familiar with the story however due to listening to the Musical Story that was released of the story. So it was with amusement that I found the version I knew so well from the songs was quite differn't from the book.
The world falling beneath the heel of alien oppression is told in this book in a very well thought out and detailed way. The fact that you hear nearly the entire book in first person yet still get the feeling that the story is world spanning speaks volumes.
The main character meets and interects with various characters during his adventure and the relationships are brought out very well. You can feel his fear and agitation, his joy and his confusion as his tale is told.
Add to this excellent story an excellent reader and you've got a hit. It's a real bonus that the reader is English and the story is set in England.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total score 8/9
Get it from Librivox
