Genre: Classic/Science Fiction
Year Published: 1895
Page Count: 77
Rating: 3/5
Just here to share some quick thoughts on The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. I had to read this one for school, so I don't want to spend too much time writing about and analyzing it here since I'm already doing it in class but I thought I would share something about it.
I'm sure you are familiar with the plot of this novel. A man builds a time machine and travels into the future. This novel is more known for its groundbreaking science fictionness, so to speak, and the impact it had on the genre. This is usually regarded as one of the first science fiction novels.
Honestly, I didn't like this book. I thought it was pretty boring and the action was nonexistent, but because of the impact this book had on the genre of science fiction and its important place in literature history, I appreciate it.
Which brings me to the biggest thing I will take away from reading this novel. It is totally possible to not enjoy a book, and still appreciate it. Now, I'm sure a lot of people feel this way about classics, but for me this is a big deal. I love literature, and I am devoting my life to studying literature and then teaching others about literature, so for me to admit that I didn't like this significant and highly praised novel is a big deal. I wanted to like it, I expected to like it, but I didn't. I like almost everything I read, very rarely do I read a book that I don't like. Would I like to talk about the plot, symbols, and themes in this book for three weeks of class? Nope. But am I still interested in learning about the impact this novel had on an entire genre of fiction? Yep.
So, if you come across a book that you're not crazy about, especially in a school setting, try coming at it from a different angle. Don't just focus on the literary elements; try placing it into history, or looking at the book's impact, and learn to say, "I appreciate this work, but I don't like it."
Which books do you feel this way about?
I feel this way about quite a few books. One of them is Le Grand Meaulnes, which I'll be posting about soon. I'm really glad I read it, and appreciate some aspects of it, but I couldn't say I connected to it on a personal level.
ReplyDeleteI will make sure to check out your post! I don't often feel that way about books, I tend to like what I read, but I'm glad I've learned to separate appreciation and liking.
Deletethanks for stopping by!
I felt this way about 'At the Mountains of Madness' which I also believe was by Wells... nothing about it worked for me, though I recognize it as a seminal work in the genre.
ReplyDeleteWells always seems to put a lot of political commentary in his works, which can get rather boring and can stray from the plot.
Deletethanks for stopping by!