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a_reader_is_me2013-09-07 03:33 pm
catness) wrote in a_reader_is_me2013-09-07 03:33 pm
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Book: The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
Title: The Island of Doctor Moreau
Author: H. G. Wells
Genre: sci-fi
Book Number/Goal: 7/52
My Rating: 4/5
Notes: reread for Coursera Fantasy and Science Fiction course
Download: at Project Gutenberg
Review:
After being rescued from a shipwreck, the protagonist is stranded on a Pacific island owned by a scientist and his assistant, who perform horrifying experiments on animals - or on humans?
Dr. Moreau is an archetypal "mad scientist" who puts science above human ethics. Exiled from England, his career ruined when the public finds out what he's up to, he pursues the opportunity to continue his research in spite of all the setbacks, and achieves dramatic progress, although there's still a long way to perfect success. He is not concerned with his subjects' suffering, and is driven by curiosity, not by any "higher purpose", but his persistence, hardworking, creativity and intelligence make him a compelling character. His assistant is a simple-minded guy, caught by the circumstances and lacking Dr. Moreau's passion; even though going with the flow, he's somewhat kind-hearted and sympathetic.
The writing is vivid and includes plenty of foreshadowing; it creates tension and eerie atmosphere, but the mystery of the experiments can be guessed almost from the start. The scientific explanation is rather naive (the story was written in 1896). The descriptions are sometimes too overloaded with details.
Overall, a great story, even though unavoidably moralistic. I had read it a long time ago, but enjoyed rereading it.
Author: H. G. Wells
Genre: sci-fi
Book Number/Goal: 7/52
My Rating: 4/5
Notes: reread for Coursera Fantasy and Science Fiction course
Download: at Project Gutenberg
Review:
After being rescued from a shipwreck, the protagonist is stranded on a Pacific island owned by a scientist and his assistant, who perform horrifying experiments on animals - or on humans?
Dr. Moreau is an archetypal "mad scientist" who puts science above human ethics. Exiled from England, his career ruined when the public finds out what he's up to, he pursues the opportunity to continue his research in spite of all the setbacks, and achieves dramatic progress, although there's still a long way to perfect success. He is not concerned with his subjects' suffering, and is driven by curiosity, not by any "higher purpose", but his persistence, hardworking, creativity and intelligence make him a compelling character. His assistant is a simple-minded guy, caught by the circumstances and lacking Dr. Moreau's passion; even though going with the flow, he's somewhat kind-hearted and sympathetic.
The writing is vivid and includes plenty of foreshadowing; it creates tension and eerie atmosphere, but the mystery of the experiments can be guessed almost from the start. The scientific explanation is rather naive (the story was written in 1896). The descriptions are sometimes too overloaded with details.
Overall, a great story, even though unavoidably moralistic. I had read it a long time ago, but enjoyed rereading it.