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philosopher_kj's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs
geraldinerowe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
H G Wells himself admitted this wasn't his best book, and boy was he right. For the most part it's incredibly dull. I struggled to picture the futuristic world he described and I skimmed other parts because they added nothing to the story. It's interesting that the author predicted technological advancements in the early 22nd century but not attitudes. Some changes to what was considered acceptable was briefly touched upon, but what Wells didn't predict was the idea that all adult humans are equal. In fact, this is almost certainly the most racist book I've ever read. Yes, it was written in 1899 and no doubt reflects the attitudes of the time, but I've never encountered them laid out bare in such a way before. There's also a good dollop of misogyny too. At least it didn't spoil an otherwise good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
icarusabides's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
readerorwateva's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Death, Child abuse, and Slavery
jessiewrites's review
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Please, I beg you do not read this. 0 stars for the groan-inducing ending and racism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Misogyny
Minor: Antisemitism
hueningkais's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
nickc777's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I think this book probably would have been fascinating and radical when it was written, and perhaps an annotated version that compares the technology and social structures described to those during Wells’ time would be more engaging - I found the most interesting part Well’s annotation of the penultimate chapter pointing out that his dogfight was described over a decade before heavier than air travel was invented.
As it is however, the book is a little underwhelming. The characters are flat and unengaging, and there is very little tension at all. The book got slightly more interesting as it went on, but it also got a lot more racist, so I can’t say I preferred it. Also I must say that it really felt like a left wing moderate’s saviour fantasy - that he alone can bring political salvation, that he brings about democracy and freedom while also being the absolute owner of the world, it simply felt a little like a self insert to me and the sleeper never really rejects that role, he just accepts it, even calling himself King.
Overall an interesting read, but probably more noteworthy at the time of its writing than today.
As it is however, the book is a little underwhelming. The characters are flat and unengaging, and there is very little tension at all. The book got slightly more interesting as it went on, but it also got a lot more racist, so I can’t say I preferred it. Also I must say that it really felt like a left wing moderate’s saviour fantasy - that he alone can bring political salvation, that he brings about democracy and freedom while also being the absolute owner of the world, it simply felt a little like a self insert to me and the sleeper never really rejects that role, he just accepts it, even calling himself King.
Overall an interesting read, but probably more noteworthy at the time of its writing than today.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Racial slurs, and Racism
jupiter_ray's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I fucking loved this book, and I don't know if it's because I had to speed read it for my english class but i honestly would list it as a favorite. It's like 1984 but better; it's more action-filled and less tedious, AND the main character, Graham is way more likable than Winston is (fuck winston all my homies hate winston). The premise is incredibly interesting and the plot is relatively complex. For a book written in 1899, this is way ahead of its time and way less tedious to read than you think it would be! Fantastic read if you're into anti-capitalist sci-fi books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs
The N word is used twice (if I'm remembering correctly)
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