H.G. Wells
1895
Around 100 pages
I know I can't be the best judge for what qualifies as a "fun" read, as I observed firsthand the look of horror my sister gave me when I pulled out my vacation read for our Florida trip (Their Eyes Were Watching God, which was much more geographically relevant than her Sue Grafton novel). But I think most people could come to a consensus that this is a fun read.
A Victorian English scientist and gentleman is successful in building a time machine. So naturally, he hosts a dinner party. He decides to test his machine and winds up in 802,701 CE. He meets the Eloi, and at first thinks he has stumbled upon a blissful carefree society. It wouldn't be any fun if he was right.
It seems like only socialists are interested in writing science fiction during this time. But Wells, unlike William Morris for example, is actually a great storyteller. Yes, there is an agenda here, but there is also an exciting tale that was more reminiscent of Haggard's King Solomon's Mines than Butler's Erewhon.
Short and sweet. We could always use more of that around here.
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Wells coined the phrase "time machine."
The word "Eloi" comes from the Hebrew plural for Elohim, meaning lesser gods.
Clip from the 2002 movie:
UP NEXT: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. Already read, so you won't have to wait long for another review.
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