The Wonderful Visit, H. G. Wells
The Wonderful Visit, H. G. Wells
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The Wonderful Visit

Author: H. G. Wells

Narrator: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Ark

Unabridged: 5 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/08/2023


Synopsis

"The Wonderful Visit" is a novel written by H.G. Wells and first published in 1895. Unlike Wells' more famous works of science fiction, this novel falls into the genre of social satire and fantasy. It tells the story of an angelic creature named Mr. Angel, who unexpectedly descends upon a small English village.
The arrival of Mr. Angel disrupts the tranquil and ordinary lives of the villagers, who are initially perplexed by his presence. As they interact with him, their beliefs, prejudices, and social norms are challenged. The novel explores themes of human nature, social conventions, and the clash between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Wells uses the character of Mr. Angel as a means to critique and satirize the norms and customs of Victorian society. Through his otherworldly perspective, Mr. Angel questions the self-importance, hypocrisy, and narrow-mindedness of the villagers. His presence serves as a catalyst for personal transformation and the reevaluation of societal values.
"The Wonderful Visit" blends elements of fantasy and humor with social commentary. It raises questions about the nature of goodness, the complexities of human behavior, and the limitations of social conformity. Wells's writing style is characterized by his wit, imaginative storytelling, and keen observation of human nature, which are all evident in this lesser-known work.
While "The Wonderful Visit" may not be as well-known as Wells' science fiction classics like "The Time Machine" or "The War of the Worlds," it offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of society and human nature. It showcases Wells' versatility as a writer and his ability to use fiction to critique and satirize the conventions of his time.

About H. G. Wells

Herbert George Wells, better known as H. G. Wells, was a novelist, journalist, sociologist, and historian who wrote over 100 books. His novels are among the classic works of science fiction. His works, which go beyond ordinary adventure stories, are thought-provoking, forcing the reader to examine the future of mankind.

Wells was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1866. His father was a shopkeeper and a professional cricketer until he broke his leg. Wells studied biology at the Normal School of Science in London and later taught in several private schools. In 1893, he became a full-time writer. He married one of his brightest students, Amy Catherine, in 1895.

Wells earned his reputation with a string of science fiction novels, including The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The Invisible Man. In 1938, his realistic portrayal of a martian invasion in The War of the Worlds caused a panic across the United States when it was performed as a radio broadcast by actor Orson Wells. His science fiction stories have since become some of the most filmed works of all time.

Between the two world wars, Wells lived mainly in France. Beyond his literary career, he was the president of an international peace organization (PEN) from 1934 to 1946. In this capacity, he had discussions with both Stalin and Roosevelt, trying to recruit them to his world-saving schemes. However, he later became disillusioned with the cause of peace when global war broke out for the second time in a generation. Throughout the Second World War, Wells lived in his house on Regent's Park, refusing to let the blitz drive him out of London. He died there on August 13, 1946.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bill on February 20, 2020

The idea of The Wonderful Visit (1895)—a fantasy published the same year in which the prolific Mr. Wells wrote not only The Time Machine, but also two other novels—is to be found in a comment of John Ruskin’s, who stated that any angel appearing in England would be immediately shot, on sight. Thus it......more

Goodreads review by Steven on September 29, 2016

After finishing this book (and his The Food of the Gods) I'm beginning to rethink my overall assessment of H.G. Wells. Not that he is a bad writer (he certainly isn't!), but his writing is beginning to remind me more and more of social commentary stuck inside a relatively weak story rather than a st......more

Goodreads review by Michael on March 03, 2017

Is H.G. Wells' The Wonderful Visit, though not strictly a science fiction novel, the first such novel to use the parallel universe theory? Consider this dialogue, spoken by an angel-like creature who enters our world and by the vicar who promptly shot him: "It almost makes one think that in some odd......more

Goodreads review by John on November 05, 2022

"Explanations are the fallacy of a scientific age." "The Angel smiled back, with eyebrows raised and hands extended. “It’s impossible for you to know who I am. Your eyes are blind, your ears deaf, your soul dark, to all that is wonderful about me. It’s no good my telling that I fell into your world.”......more

Goodreads review by Sean on December 10, 2015

Great short story about the sensless maliciousness of man and his desire to destroy all that he feels threatened by. I don't want to give to much away, but a quick little read that has a whole lot to say. This book is pretty deep if you take the time to break it down, so becareful not to dig so deep......more