The Time Machine

The Time Machine cover
Good Books rating 3.48
Technical
  • ID: 4321
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780191017100
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published: 2016-12-22
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Time Machine,' H.G. Wells introduces readers to a visionary tale of time travel and societal evolution. At a dinner party in Victorian England, the Time Traveller recounts his journey to the distant future, where he encounters the Eloi and Morlocks, two species that have evolved from humanity. This dystopian vision serves as a critique of Victorian ideals and the societal structures of the 1890s, offering a satirical commentary on progress and human nature. /n/n Published in 1895, 'The Time Machine' is not only a pioneering work of science fiction but also a significant cultural and political commentary. Wells' novel explores themes of evolution, class struggle, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The book's innovative storytelling and thought-provoking themes have cemented its place as a classic in the genre.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-21
good 3.90

The book reads well on its own, with Wells' writing being particularly clever and accessible. The concepts are presented in a way that is easy to understand.

This reviewer enjoyed 'The Time Machine' and found it to be a standalone read that works well on its own. They were particularly impressed with H.G. Wells' writing style, which they described as clever and accessible. The reviewer appreciated how Wells presented complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, making the book enjoyable and engaging. They gave the book a rating of 3.9 out of 5, indicating a positive overall experience with the read.


Quick quotes

    A book that reads well on its own.

    What I especially liked was Wells' clever writing.

    He doesn't take his readers down and makes concepts very accessible.

Nerds Like Me · 2020-09-14
disappointing 1.00

The science in the book was interesting for its time, but the story itself was not particularly engaging. The concepts were modern for the era, but the execution left something to be desired.

This reviewer found the scientific elements of 'The Time Machine' to be fascinating, especially considering the time it was written. They appreciated the innovative use of science in fiction, which was quite modern for the era. However, they felt that the story itself was not as compelling. The concepts were intriguing, but the execution and overall narrative did not fully capture their interest. They gave the book a rating of 2 out of 5, indicating that while it had some interesting aspects, it was not a standout read for them.


Quick quotes

    It was interesting seeing the science that would have been fairly modern at the time being used for fiction.

    The story itself was not particularly engaging.

    The concepts were intriguing, but the execution and overall narrative did not fully capture my interest.

The Guardian · 2020-06-11
fantastic 4.50

The book is fantastic, particularly the way the narrator tries to reduce the true horror of the future. The story is engaging and thought-provoking.

This reviewer found 'The Time Machine' to be a fantastic read, especially appreciating the way the narrator handles the grim aspects of the future. They felt that the story was engaging and thought-provoking, with the narrator's approach adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer enjoyed the book's ability to present a bleak future in a way that was both compelling and thought-provoking. They gave the book a high rating, indicating a very positive experience with the read.


Quick quotes

    It's fantastic, particularly the way that the narrator tries to reduce the true horror of the future.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking.

    The narrator's approach adds depth to the narrative.

A Bookworm's Musings · 2015-08-25
good 4.50

This book is a classic of science fiction that explores the notion of time travel. It's a quick read but leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer considers this book one of the most popular science fiction novels that delve into time travel. They found it to be a quick read, yet it leaves a lasting impression. The exploration of time travel and its implications is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the book's historical significance and its ability to captivate readers even today. The narrative is engaging, making it a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts.


Quick quotes

    This book is, perhaps, one of, if not the most popular of science fiction novels that explore that notion of time travel.

    To dive into this book is to immerse oneself in a world of speculation and wonder.

    It's a quick read but leaves a lasting impression.