The War of the Worlds

Brilliant, tight and prescient. Wells is working about 3 themes right on top of each other. He makes us the rabbits, the ants, the colonized and is able to explore not just themes of technology and evolution, but colonialism and imperialism.

The Spencer narration, however, just doesn't seem able to carry the full weight of Wells. It was clear, but his clipped reading seemed unable to make the Wells words flow easily.

I debated for a long time whether I preferred this version of "War of the Worlds" or the one by Sean Barrett (also available from Audible). I've decided on this one. The pace is slower -- a more charitable description would be "measured" -- but Alexander Spencer registers a far greater range of emotion. In the course of the story, his voice goes from a hoarse whisper to frantic horror to tremulous heartbreak.

The story itself is a terrifying one. There's plenty of violent combat for anyone who wants that, but even more terrifying are the descriptions of the people of London in a panicked flight to the north and east; or the narrator's journey through a London devoid of life. In the latter respect it's easily the equivalent of recent horror films like "28 Weeks Later."

probably not, but i will probably keep it. i wanted to see what the radio show was based on. i would have been better off hearing that version....shorter.

maybe. if the subject was right.

that i could NEVER have forced myself to read the book even if i could (which i can't). i find the readers for the most part are great.

it's the little things that get you in the end.

the book went on and on and i am not a si fi nut. but still it was interesting to find out what the radio show was based on.

This was our first audio book. We listen during a road trip in the car with our kids (6 and 9). The writing and the story was was beyond our kids age, but my husband and I loved it.

Better than Movie!

I saw the 'War of the World' with Tom Cruise coming out and I saw I could get it on the Kindle for free. I remember watching a black & white version of this movie when I was growing up. So, with this 'new' movie coming out I decided that it was time to read the book. It is completely different and better in every way. I never saw the Tom Cruise movie and don't intend too. It can't compare.

The story is both suspenseful and beautifully crafted. The plot is familiar, having been borrowed from repeatedly since it was written, but still enjoyable. The story varies from the movies though you will recognize some scenes that have survived Hollywood re-writes. A worthwhile listen!