The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Sounds great Rogue - anachronistic attitudes aside

Wells is now best remembered as a pioneer of science fiction (e.g. The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), and The War of the Worlds (1897)) however in his Edwardian era heyday he was also known for a wide variety of different genres, including as a writer of major social novels of the period

Today's readers are probably only vaguely aware of such titles as Kipps (1905), Tono-Bungay (1909), Love and Mr. Lewisham (1900), Ann Veronica (1909), and one I read recently, The History of Mr. Polly (1910)

It was first book I have read by H.G. Wells (otherwise my only exposure to him in print came when I read Rebecca West: A Modern Sibyl by Carl Rollyson). Rebecca West and H.G. Wells had a long term relationship - and a child together - Anthony West

The History of Mr. Polly is an absolute gem with Mr. Polly an unlikely hero. Mr. Polly, loosely based on Wells himself, cleverly subverts Edwardian propriety and society's expectations. There's a plethora of lovely period insights however it's also a timeless and surprisingly modern tale. Mr. Polly might lack self-awareness however, in his own quiet way, he is a revolutionary with life lessons to impart that still ring true

There are so wonderful scenes to enjoy: a superbly written funeral scene capturing the confusion, claustrophobia, pettiness etc of the occasion. There’s also a wedding, a dramatic fire, and a dangerous, life threatening conflict. The plot packs a lot into its modest 216 pages

It’s funny too. Mr Polly has an idiosyncratic and unique vocabulary, often confusing to those he encounters, and there are some funny set pieces

Another Wells recommendation for anyone that's interested

Please report back Rogue