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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
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