The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells

This is one of the classics of modern literature. It’s a book that is often referenced in popular culture. It is also where a 90s rap group got their name.

All of these were good reasons to finally read it. It was a pretty good read even though the book is over one hundred years old. It was originally published in 1896 and has seen a few adaptations done over the years. I haven’t seen any of the films so I was pretty much going into this one blind.

The story is told from the point of view of Edward. After surviving a shipwreck he is rescued and brought to an island compound. Things they aren’t exactly what they seem and soon he discovers exactly what Doctor Moreaua has been up to on this remote island.

It seems strange to write a spoiler free review of a book that is this old, but I am sure there are people like me who have never read it and might finally get around to it this year. I will give away one detail though, just in case you hadn’t figured it out yet. The rap group I mentioned early is called House of Pain and it is named after a structure on this island.

This work has inspired a lot of the science fiction that came after it, both in print and on film. It is a classic that is worth your time.

My List of 2021 Reads – I read this one last year so I’m adding it to this list.