The Time Traveller

You can't tell me this cover art doesn't completely suck you in...

I found this book at the Lifeline Book Fest for $1, along with about 25 others.  I have always loved H.G. Wells after reading, listening to and watching War of the Worlds, but I have never had the chance to read any of his other works.  I wasn't sure what to expect as I opened the laminated cover, obviously some one had once thought it precious enough to protect it.  On the inside I see it was once sold for $9.95 which is crossed out with $3.95 underneath.  My copy was printed in 1977 but the original edition was published in 1895, making it the earliest book I have read to date.

On the first page alone I knew it was going to be different from many other books I have read.  With no other book have I needed a dictionary three times in the first two paragraphs, for a start. The other thing I noticed was the complete narrative style.  The story of the Time Traveller is being told to the narrator by the main character.  I thought this would be distracting at first but the more I read the more absorbed I became.

There is something about Science Fiction writing of the 50's and 60's, maybe it is the way in which they do not feel the need to harp on about their clever technology or perhaps it is the intricate way in which they weave subtle (or not so subtle) moral and ethical tales within their pages.  The Time Traveller is no exception.  Although it takes some time to become familiar with the prose and pace of the novel I found once I was in the rhythm it was difficult to put it down.  H.G. Wells has an effortless way of making otherwise flat and unimpressive characters become a portal to worlds and times unexplored.

One thing I found of this book, which I find in many great Science Fiction works, are the loose ends within it make it difficult to get it out of my head.  To try and move on I watched the first movie based on this novel.

Get excited, people! Pretty women, an athletic hero and a villain we love to hate...

I first watched the 1960 adaptation of the book and found it in keeping with most movies of the time.  The human descended people, Eloi, were suddenly very attractive and much less childlike.  I guess this was necessary in order for them to get away with the Time Traveller getting friendly with the main female character, Meela. In the books she is treated as a child, which the time traveller grows to love - as a child. In the adaptation... not so much.  Although I cannot altogether go into detail without revealing some wonderful changes and differences that, personally, are half the fun of watching the movie: It certainly makes for great social commentary!

All in all The Time Machine is a fabulous book with a style of writing that takes you right back into the late 1800's and into the very living room where the tale is being recounted.  It is also quite a short novel which is finished altogether too quickly.  The stop-go animation of time travel was also something I enjoyed more than I had anticipated.

The 1960's adaptation of the novel, despite being a product of it's time, is actually quite endearing.  Typical 1960's attitude towards women and a good versus evil view that was quite common at the time give it such a nostalgic quality.  Almost like visiting an old, crazy and half-baked friend.  I even found myself tearing up a little at times, the raw tragedy of the Time Traveller's loss is moving. 

One hint though, if you really want to watch the movie, don't watch the trailer for it.  The one I found was full of spoilers.  I did enjoy the ending of the movie a little more, but I guess you will just have to read and watch it to find out why.  I was also going to watch the most recent incarnation of the Time Traveller made in 2002, but honestly, this was enough time consumed for one week...

4.5 out of 5 Stars for the book.

3 out of 5 Stars for the 1960's Movie.