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The Island of Dr. Moreau

H.G. Wells,

Alan Lightman (Introduction)

Start date: August 1, 2023

Finish date: August 31, 2023

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Discussion leader: Lynn

Why we're reading this: August 2023 Revisit the Shelf Read

February 2016 Old School Group Read
[close] August 2023 Revisit the Shelf Read

February 2016 Old School Group Read

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What Members Thought

Jan 02, 2016 Lynn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Despite being one of Wells's lesser known works, The Island of Doctor Moreau has been adapted for the big screen multiple times. And for good reason: it's suspenseful and chilling while asking some big questions about human nature and the ethics of experimentation. Granted, the horror is quite tame by modern standards. However, it was groundbreaking for its time, and it still has some relevant things to say about scientists playing God. Readers will find some dated language and ideas, but nothin ...more

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Aug 19, 2017 Lori rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, favorites, sci-fi, scifi-fantasy-book-club-challenge, classics, pocket-penguins

Written before the ideas of DNA/RNA/genetic manipulation were common vocabulary, this novel hints at some of the more deviant behaviors that can come from playing "God." However, it's really more of a novel of what makes "man" a "man" and not a "beast." A worthwhile read and re-read.

There is also a short story included in the collection Tales of Wonder and Imagination, published by Night Shade Books, that acts as a follow-up to the novel: The Puma - Theodora Goss. It is also well worth reading. ...more

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