An 1897 attack from Mars. I review War of the Worlds
War of the Worlds – the blurb
When an alien capsule lands on Horsell Common, Woking, crowds of astonished onlookers gather. But wonder soon turns to terror when the Martians emerge. Armed with deadly heat rays, the aliens begin their conquest of earth. Confronted by powers beyond our control, a technology far in advance of our own, and a race of alien invaders which regard us as no more than ants, humankind faces extinction.
While the world crumbles under the shadow of the Martian menace, one man sets out alone across the desolate wasteland to find his wife.
What Verne did for the sea
I read the 1870 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea a little while ago now and War of the Worlds felt very reminiscent. When you think when the book was written some of the science and ideas are simply mind blowing. Yet contrasted with this were the little insights in to everyday life back then. The observations about the war man has waged against Earth – extinction of animals and different races – all felt very current in today’s global warming crisis with Afghanistan hitting the headlines on the TV behind me. Yet it is overwhelmingly hopeful and a proud flag for human resilience.
The book is only 200 pages but it did take some time to read. A fact that frustrated me initially. That said I did enjoy it. Flicking through the book now as I write this review I realize I really enjoyed and stay on my shelf it will.
