War of the Worlds.

[logansrogue]

Man. I'm telling you. The chapter "Dead London" in HG Wells' "War of the Worlds" is one of the most tragically beautiful passages of any book I've read. It is the ultimate 'aftermath of a disaster' depiction, and it's written so beautifully, it makes me awe-struck and heart-broken for the main character at the same time.

Comments

[mononwalker.livejournal.com]

Ahh. Someone who shares my passion for Wells' writing!

It's been years since I read WotW, but I vividly remember "Dead London". Just the eerie silence with the one machine standing and the plaintive cry of the Martian. *shudder*

Thanks for reminding me and now off to search for my copy to re-read!

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I re-read it just recently. Now that I'm older, I can really appreciate different things about the text. Wells has SUCH a way with words. He's been one of my favourite authors for years, not just because he's done one or two good works, but cause he consistently writes brilliant, eye opening pieces that make you think, with beautiful word-play that makes the heart sigh. (I mean, how can anyone make breathing poetic? "And oh, the sweetness of the air!")

[apolla.livejournal.com]

OK, now you know that I haven't read the book, but the record rocks my world (Dick! Philip! One fucking record!!) and the Dead London stuff on that is amazing. Shall get the book in due course.

Sorry I missed you online earlier. *hugs and smooches*

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

That's okay. I definitely recommend the story. I swear, HG Wells is one of the grandfathers of sci-fi. As well as being a damned good writer.

[(Anonymous)]

Not sure if the record referred to above is Jeff Wayne's 1978 album "War of the Worlds" or not - but you should check it out. Richard Burton narrates portions of that very passage... and people like Justin Heyward (of the Moody Blues) and David Essex and Phil Lynott (from Thin Lizzy) do art-rock songs about it. :)

~August

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

Dude. I *grew up* on Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds. Of all the media remakes of that book, Jeff Wayne's is the ONLY one true to the tale. I mean, I like the 50s movie, but I was disappointed that it was nothing like the book. I mean, other than the obvious martian reference.

I'd love it if they remade this movie, in a sort of, LXG-type extravaganza, but focused on the horror and the destruction and the isolation as well as the cool ass blow-shit-up scenes. I mean - wouldn't it be fucking awesome? And actually set IN th 19th century, NOT updated. It's perfect in the setting it's in.

Then again - I am a purist! :)

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I love the records too, my favourite songs being "No, Nathaniel, No," (I can't remember the exact titles of the songs) and "Goodbye Thunderchild."

:-)

Mmmm...I feel like putting it on and singing along with it. But I'm still so tired from Saturday night I'd probably end up crying a lot cos it's so great.

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

My favourite is Forever Autumn, which is linked to Thunderchild. :) But I mean, I love all of it. :)

[(Anonymous)]

*OMG* - I can't believe that's survived all these years - that album was not popular when it came out, apart from "Forver Autumn," which everybody just thought was the Moody Blues.

GOD I love that album. SOOOO many good lines.

"....and melted the Thunder Child's valiant heart..."

"yet slowly...inexorably...they drew their plans against us."

I can do a KILLER Richard Burton imitation - but only doing that narration. ;)

~August

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

LOL cool! I love the way Richard says luminous. Apolla knows the proper spelling... lyoominoos. I can't spell how he says it.

My favourite words in the thing are HG Wells' actual lines - so beautifully spoken by Burton. The perfect voice for the book, really.

[(Anonymous)]

Oh. My. God. Something like "....and then two luminous disks...like eyes..."

Hey do you have AIM? If so, add me - it's joxerfan, just like Yahoo. (Yahoo is being batty w/ me recently.) Although gotta run tonight - "Road Rules - South America" is on.

So glad to see you at XOC - be sure to check out SF-Fandom.com too!

~ August

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

maybe I will :) *hugs*