
It's rare to come across a story that takes itself so seriously that it might as well have been a documentary. HG Wells' War of the Worlds is one of those rare stories. There is no heroism in this story of humanity facing martian invasion - could an ant be heroic against a man? It's one of those stories that makes you feel humble about the superiority you take for granted over those weaker than you - don't you want the same humility from the strong when you are weak?
The story is also wonderfully picturesque beyond excellence. Colours, lights, sounds, props, angles and perspective are used often and with great thoughtfulness.
The language might be difficult for the modern reader - the sentences are long, complicated and dense. And it makes you realise that although the story spans only roughly 200 pages, that not all pages are written equal, and that it's dense writing makes it feel much longer than it is. Still, that is no reason to stop yourself from experiencing this wonderful story.
The best book I've read so far in my entire life.
The best thing about the book is it's myriads of characters, each fully realised, each with their own arc. The book is very intelligent. It sets up events in innocuous ways far before they actually happen, so when they do happen your mind is blown. And on top of everything its so brilliantly funny. It's worth a re-read.
A very intelligent, deep, and incredibly funny novel. Wish John didn't commit suicide. We really were robbed of a great mind.