| The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells Genre: Science Fiction, Classic, Horror |
This story is told in the first person point of view of a man who has been shipwrecked and rescued at sea by a passing ship. It is hard to imagine the inconveniences of such situations back then. Pendrick pretty much is powerless over his future as his circumstances put him at the mercy of wherever the ship is sailing to. To complicate matters, the captain of the boat is a drunkard and becomes spooked, forcing Pendrick to disembark on the secluded island where he is dropping the other passengers and cargo. Pendrick relates to us the horrors of the creatures that he finds residing on that island.
H.G. Wells takes his own fictionalized stab at the theory of nature vs. nurture. In his version nature wins over nurture every time, even after Dr. Moreau attempts to use cruel surgery practices to keep nature at bay. This was an interesting book that would have animal activists up in arms if it were published today as there are extreme acts of animal cruelty and experimental testing.
Not a light read at all but I think it would be great for book groups as there are many different aspects that would lead to wonderful topics of discussion.
3 stars.
Great post! I saw the movie, didn't read the book.
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