Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Federico DN's Reviews > The Time Machine

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
29005117
's review

really liked it
bookshelves: free-domain, classics, adapted, sci-fi, almost-fav

To the future and beyond.

A group of people is greatly preoccupied by the absence of one of their friends. And serious concerns arise over his pitiful state when he finally returns to his home, raddled and haggard. The Time Traveler has been in the year 802,701 AD, and he has quite a story to tell.

This was good! Great even, maybe. Tbh I’m not fan of HG Wells style of writing, but can’t understate the importance of this writing, being one of the first ever recorded works of time travel and all. I absolutely LOVE almost everything regarding time travel, but unfortunately I couldn’t love this one, possibly because of having watched the movies first. I did enjoy and appreciate finally getting to know in great detail the original work, the Time Traveler, Weena, the Eloi, the Morlocks, and the whole story around it. (view spoiler) Did not enjoy the ideology/sociological explanations for the evolution/devolution of mankind, which I found theoretically and mind-numbingly boring, as much as the “Book of Goldestein� from 1984; personally I’d preferred to have left all that a mystery, but that’s me.

I’m positive if I hadn’t watched the movies ages ago I’d have enjoyed this so much more, but alas, even after all this time my memories still remain very much fresh. So the unavoidable predictability, plus the total absence of surprise (which means everything to me), greatly hampered my enjoyment of this book. The Time Machine (2002) is also one of my fav movies of all time, so it was very hard to compete against that too.

All in all, this felt mostly 3-stars, but if hadn’t watched it first I bet it would’ve been 4, maybe even 5. So I’m settling with 4. And still very much looking forward to reading the “War of the Worlds�, which I have also already watched. Dang.

*** The Time Machine (1960): By far the most accurate depiction I’ve watched so far. Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux play a decent Time Traveler and Weena, respectively. The movie was interesting enough, yet sadly left much to be desired. I just can’t deny the feeling that the movie felt kinda clunky and effects felt wildly dated by today’s standards, but you gotta love the movie funny version of the Morlocks lol. (5/10)

*** The Time Machine (2002): The most unfaithful and inaccurate depiction I’ve ever watched and by FAR the most entertaining and my most favorite one lol. Just LOVED everything about it! Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba, Sienna Guillory and Jeremy Irons fantastic in their roles. LOVED the tragic backstory with Emma, the introduction of Mara instead of Weena, the utterly scary Morlocks and their Overlord. Completely LOVED the scenography, soundtrack and special effects, which totally blew my mind and is a perfect representation of how I picture and fantasize every day about time travel in my mind. Of course the movie has been widely panned and in all honesty deviates so much from the original work it hardly resembles it anymore. Don’t care. LOVED IT. (10/10)

It’s public domain. You can find it



-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1895] [110p] [Sci-Fi] [3.5] [Recommendable] [Weena]
-----------------------------------------------

Hacia el futuro y más allá.

Un grupo de gente está muy preocupado por la ausencia de uno de sus amigos. Y surgen serias preocupaciones por su lamentable estado cuando éste finalmente regresa a su casa, gastado y demacrado. El Viajero del Tiempo ha estado en el año 802.701 d.C. y tiene una gran historia que contar.

¡Esto estuvo bien! Incluso maravilloso, tal vez. Sinceramente, no soy fanático del estilo de escritura de HG Wells, pero no puedo subestimar la importancia de este trabajo, que es uno de los primeros escritos registrados sobre viajes en el tiempo y todo eso. AMO casi absolutamente todo concerniente a viajar en el tiempo, pero desafortunadamente no pude amar esto, posiblemente por haber visto las películas primero. Disfruté y aprecié poder conocer finalmente en gran detalle la obra original, el Viajero del Tiempo, Weena, los Eloi, los Morlocks y toda la historia que los rodea. (view spoiler) No disfruté todas las explicaciones ideológicas/sociológicas sobre la evolución/involución de la humanidad, que encontré teórica y abrumadoramente aburridas, tanto como el “Libro de Goldestein� de 1984; personalmente hubiera preferido que todo eso hubiera quedado como misterio, pero ese soy yo.

Estoy seguro de que si no hubiera visto las películas mucho tiempo antes, habría disfrutado esto mucho más, pero, por desgracia, incluso después de todo este tiempo mis recuerdos todavía siguen muy frescos. Así que la inevitable previsibilidad, más la total ausencia de sorpresa (que lo significa todo para mí), perjudicaron enormemente mi disfrute del libro. La Máquina del Tiempo (2002) también es una de mis películas favoritas de todos los tiempos, por lo que fue muy difícil competir contra ella.

En general, esto se sintió principalmente como 3 estrellas, pero si no lo hubiera visto primero, apuesto a que habrían sido 4, tal vez incluso 5. Así que lo promedio en un 4. Y todavía tengo muchas ganas de leer "La guerra de los mundos", cuyas películas también ya vi. Maldita sea.

*** La Máquina del Tiempo (1960): Por lejos la representación más fiel que he visto hasta el momento. Rod Taylor e Yvette Mimieux interpretan a un decente Viajero del tiempo y Weena, respectivamente. La película me resultó suficientemente interesante, aunque lamentablemente dejó bastante que desear. No puedo negar la sensación de que la película y los efectos se sintieron asquerosamente anticuados para los estándares actuales, pero no puedo negar que me encanta la versión retro de los Morlocks de la película jaja. (5/10)

*** La Máquina del Tiempo (2002): Sin dudas la representación más infiel e inexacta que he visto en mi vida y por lejos la más entretenida y mi más favorita jaja. ¡Simplemente AME todo de ella! Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba, Sienna Guillory y Jeremy Irons fantásticos en sus roles. AME la trágica historia de fondo con Emma, la presentación de Mara en lugar de Weena, los absolutamente aterradores Morlocks y su Mente Maestra. AME completamente la escenografía, la banda sonora y los efectos especiales, que me dejaron alucinado y son una representación perfecta de cómo imagino y fantaseo todos los días sobre viajar en el tiempo en mi mente. Por supuesto la película ha sido ampliamente criticada y, sinceramente, se desvía tanto de la obra original que al final apenas si se le parece. No me importa. AME TODO. (10/10)

Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar



-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1895] [110p] [Ciencia Ficción] [3.5] [Recomendable] [Weena]
-----------------------------------------------
520 likes ·  âˆ� flag

Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read The Time Machine.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

February 24, 2014 – Shelved
February 3, 2025 – Started Reading
February 4, 2025 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-50 of 82 (82 new)


´¡²Ô»å°ùé±ð I really liked this novel. Caught me by surprise! Enjoy!


message 2: by Tina (new)

Tina A classic! I'm anxiously awaiting your thoughts!


Federico DN ´¡²Ô»å°ùé±ð wrote: "I really liked this novel. Caught me by surprise! Enjoy!"

Thank you ´¡²Ô»å°ùé±ð! It was good, sort of. Sadly I already knew most of it because of the movies, but there were a few surprising differences :)


Federico DN Tina wrote: "A classic! I'm anxiously awaiting your thoughts!"

Truly a classic of all times <3. Thank you Tina! Thoughts are up :)


message 5: by Ian (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ian "I went to the year 802,701 AD and all I got were these two lousy white flowers." 😄

I saw the 1960 movie as a kid and thought the Morlocks were super-scary!

Nice review Federico! I enjoyed this one as well. Maybe because like you, time-travel stories tend to appeal to me.


message 6: by Mark (new)

Mark  Porton Great review Fede, this is one of those classics I need to read before I die. One Question - I wonder if England will win the FIFA World Cup by the year 802,701 AD?


message 7: by Federico (last edited Feb 09, 2025 10:45PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Ian wrote: ""I went to the year 802,701 AD and all I got were these two lousy white flowers." 😄..." LOOOL. That's rich xD.

Oh I guess the 1960 morlocks were sort of scary, they just look so funny and much less scary compared to the 2002 version lol.

Thank you Ian! Glad to see you enjoyed it too <3


message 8: by Federico (last edited Feb 09, 2025 11:04PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Mark wrote: "Great review Fede, this is one of those classics I need to read before I die. One Question - I wonder if England will win the FIFA World Cup by the year 802,701 AD? "

Thank you Mark! Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try! I think the odds are in your favor for winning at least a few times :). Wouldn't count humans playing it though, they will probably be AI robots by then lol.


message 9: by Amina (last edited Feb 10, 2025 02:30AM) (new)

Amina Expectation of knowing definitely would warrant a more disappointing result, but I'm glad it wasn't that much of a bother for you here. And did I laugh in agreement at The most unfaithful and inaccurate depiction I’ve ever watched and by FAR the most entertaining and my most favorite one lol. - So very unapologetic of you! But, rightfully so. 😊 Wonderful review, Federico!


Federico DN Amina wrote: "Expectation of knowing definitely would warrant a more disappointing result, but I'm glad it wasn't that much of a bother for you here. And did I laugh in agreement at The most unfaithful and inacc..."

That's why I almost never read a book after I've watched the movie, but since this one is so short I finally decided to take a chance :p. That movie is one of my most beloved guilty pleasures ever lol. Thank you so much Amina <3


ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ Absolutely love this review of the book and its movie versions! I am half ashamed that, as a huge fan of time travel, I have never read this or seen either version. I think the concept of whatever morlocks and enoi are didn’t interest me, I just prefer time travel that goes backwards and deals with humans. Anyway, based on your review I don’t think I’d enjoy this book but I plan to look for the 2002 movie ASAP! PS - if you’ve never read “I Am Legend� you can do another fun comparison of the novel and the wildly different movies based on it over the years!


message 12: by Diana (new)

Diana Hmm� I’m suddenly in the mood for a time travel movie. Superb review!


message 13: by Taufiq (new) - added it

Taufiq Yves I'm with you, Federico � I love anything time travel! It's interesting how different the movie adaptations can be. Sounds like you have strong feelings about them! 😄


message 14: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 04:07AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN � Ange_Lives_To_Read � wrote: "Absolutely love this review of the book and its movie versions! I am half ashamed that, as a huge fan of time travel, I have never read this or seen either version. I think the concept of whatever ..."

Oh time travel backwards is also super fun! You can mess with your younger self, or maybe travel a bit further and poke a few dinosaurs lol. The movie is super action sci-fi good! Hope you enjoy it Ange. Don't worry never mind the book :p. Watched the “I Am Legend� with Will Smith and def that's another one I'll have to read and compare, someday. Thank you for the rec!


message 15: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 04:11AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Diana wrote: "Hmm� I’m suddenly in the mood for a time travel movie. Superb review!"

That one is crazy sci-fi good Diana! If you lean more towards the romancey side I can also rec 'The Time Traveler's Wife', if you don't mind spoiling the book, which I also need to read someday to compare with the movie :p.


Federico DN Taufiq wrote: "I'm with you, Federico � I love anything time travel! It's interesting how different the movie adaptations can be. Sounds like you have strong feelings about them! 😄"

Thank you Taufiq! Nothing beats the 2002 movie. NOTHING.


message 17: by Srivalli (new)

Srivalli Rekha The perils of having a good memory! Watching the movie does take away the surprise element even if they tweak a few elements.
Superb review, Federico. A very rational and genuine rating, I say. :)


Federico DN Srivalli wrote: "The perils of having a good memory! Watching the movie does take away the surprise element even if they tweak a few elements. Superb review, Federico. A very rational and genuine rating, I say. :)"

I have a lousy memory but it's very hard to forget one of you fav movies of all time lol. Thank you Srivalli <3! I tried to be as fair as I possibly could :p


message 19: by Nora (new) - added it

Nora Currie Terrific review, Federico! I have always wanted to read this book! Thanks so much for sharing your review and making me want to read this book soon!


Federico DN Nora wrote: "Terrific review, Federico! I have always wanted to read this book! Thanks so much for sharing your review and making me want to read this book soon!"

Thank you Nora! It's quite a quick short one, around a hundred pages, give or take. Hope you enjoy it too :D


message 21: by Debbie (new)

Debbie W. Yeah, classics seem to bore the heck out of me, mainly because of all the "ideology/sociological explanations for the evolution/devolution of mankind". Otherwise, I'm sure it would have been an interesting story overall.
Funny, but the time machine you've included as your last image was portrayed on an episode of The Big Bang Theory!


message 22: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 06:50AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Debbie wrote: "Yeah, classics seem to bore the heck out of me, mainly because of all the "ideology/sociological explanations for the evolution/devolution of mankind". Otherwise, I'm sure it would have been an int..."

Thank you Debbie! Meh it wasn't that terrible, I mean it could've been worse. MUCH worse lol. I remember that episode in tbbt! When Leonard thinking he bought a "miniature" prop from the movie lol.




message 23: by Clint (new)

Clint Hall I liked the movies and book too! You'll like War of the Worlds, I think. Try the Invisible Man too.
Fun facts:
The Time Machine [1960] won an Oscar for those special effects.
The Time Machine [2002] was directed by Wells's great grandson.
Wells's estate commissioned Stephen Baxter to write a sequel, The Time Ships, in the 90s.
Great review!


message 24: by Yun (new)

Yun Great review, Federico! Glad this was a good one! I bought the book ages ago and never read it. I must get to it one of these days. :)


Himanshu Karmacharya Very honest review, Federico. I read it way back in 2022, but have vague remembrance of it. I think it is time to watch the movie, instead.


message 26: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 07:08AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Clint wrote: "I liked the movies and book too! You'll like War of the Worlds, I think. The Time Machine [1960] won an Oscar for those special effects. The Time Machine [2002] was directed by Wells's great grandson...."

Thank you so much Clint! Wow! Wasn't aware of any of those facts. That is SO funny lol. 1960 winning an Oscar for those horribly dated fx and 2002 great grandson directing the most outrageously unfaithful adaptation ever LOL.


message 27: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 07:10AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Yun wrote: "Great review, Federico! Glad this was a good one! I bought the book ages ago and never read it. I must get to it one of these days. :)"

It's a classic of all times Yun! A sci-fi must for any bookworm some might say ;). Thank you!


Federico DN Himanshu wrote: "Very honest review, Federico. I read it way back in 2022, but have vague remembrance of it. I think it is time to watch the movie, instead."

Thank you Himanshu! Glad to see you enjoyed it too. Even though I enjoyed the two movies differently I could rec both, depending what suits you best. 1960 for its faithfulness, and 2002 for the out of this world special effects. Take your pick ;) !


message 29: by Paul E (new)

Paul E Very nice review, Federico. And so generous of you with your stars. It's a sign of intelligence to transcend ones past and presupposition for an honest view. Im not that smart.
I remember loving the (1960)Time Machine version when I was a kid.
I'm going to revist that and watch Guy Pearce's and forgo the actual reading.


message 30: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 08:07AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Paul E wrote: "Very nice review, Federico. And so generous of you with your stars. It's a sign of intelligence to transcend ones past and presupposition for an honest view. Im not that smart.
I remember loving t..."


Thank you so much Paul! Believe me it wasn't easy. I wanted to give this 3-stars so badly, yet in all fairness I just couldn't. If you watched the 1960 movie you pretty much got the book covered I say. The 2002 version might bring you a new perspective, though wildly inaccurate lol xD


Thibault Busschots I agree that the 2002 movie version was definitely very different from its source material, but I really like that movie too. It was actually the first version of this story I ever came in contact with. And the original story is quite a short but powerful read by itself, and you’re right in mentioning what an important read it was for time travel fiction in general. Great review, Federico.


message 32: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 08:31AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Thibault wrote: "I agree that the 2002 movie version was definitely very different from its source material, but I really like that movie too. It was actually the first version of this story I ever came in contact ..."

Yeah 2002 slays hands down lol. I watch it every time I catch it on tv and just gets me every time <3<3. Such a groundbreaking work for its time indeed! Thank you Thibault! Glad you enjoyed the book and adaptations too :D


message 33: by A. (new)

A. ¿Irías a ver algún evento histórico en particular o donde caigo, caigo?
Genial reseña.


message 34: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 09:09AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN A. wrote: "¿Irías a ver algún evento histórico en particular o donde caigo, caigo? Genial reseña."

Me gustaría ver cómo empezó la Tierra, y cómo termina, tal vez. Acariciar algún dinosaurio, mientras no me coma. Ver qué onda el futuro, y qué nos depara. Tal vez matar a Hitler ya que estoy de paso, antes de que arme semejante quilombo. Que sé yo. Lo mismo que todos supongo jajaja xD. Gracias Lady A. <3


Debra Brilliant review, Federico! Glad you enjoyed it!


Federico DN Debra wrote: "Brilliant review, Federico! Glad you enjoyed it!"

Thank you Debra :) !


Teresa I enjoyed this book, more than you did I think but I too loved the films. I really enjoyed the early one with Rod Taylor and watched it many times but when I saw the later one with Guy Pierce it took over as a favourite. Yes I know it deviates from the book but the story was excellent!


message 38: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 10:07AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Teresa wrote: "I enjoyed this book, more than you did I think but I too loved the films. I really enjoyed the early one with Rod Taylor and watched it many times but when I saw the later one with Guy Pierce it to..."

Oh yeah absolutely. The one with Guy Pearce and Samantha Mumba totally takes the cake for sci-fi awesomeness <3<3


Rosh (Off GR duty for a fortnight!) Wonderful review, Federico! I understand your conundrum over this one. I too felt a sense of deja vu when I read this book, but I know it was mainly because the trope had been done to death by movies. Wells was the pioneer of the idea.
I too had enjoyed the Rod Taylor movie. It's funny how you adored the critically panned one. That happens with me as well. I like silly OTT entertainers when I'm in the mood. :D


Federico DN Rosh wrote: "Wonderful review, Federico! I understand your conundrum over this one. I too felt a sense of deja vu when I read this book, but I know it was mainly because the trope had been done to death by movi..."

Yes, watching the movies and other adaptations first truly takes something away from the books that can't be replaced. Still, always nice to know the very first originals that spawned the whole thing lol <3. Thank you Rosh! Glad to know you enjoyed it too :D


Sophie Breese I find his writing very flat but like you I agree that his significance is massive. He basically invented the idea that the ‘Martian’s� were aliens we should be aware of.


Valerie Book Valkyrie You are so right Federico: so many books are a much better experience if read before seeing any movie adaptation! And, so many others are much better without any movie at all! When I was doing some home work for my review of Time Travelling with a Hamster Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford I discovered that Wells was the first published story, in English, that ever featured a machine that allows a human to travel through time! What an innovation! If you like you can read my review here:
/review/show...


message 43: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 01:26PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Sophie wrote: "I find his writing very flat but like you I agree that his significance is massive. He basically invented the idea that the ‘Martian’s� were aliens we should be aware of."

Indeed. Quite the pioneer Mr. Wells! And mighty impressive for its time too. I guess not for nothing he's considered one of the founding fathers of science fiction lol. This was my first and only so far but very looking forward to reading his other works too :)


message 44: by Esta (new)

Esta I need to read this and then watch the movie with Guy Pearce! I love your enthusiasm for this Fede, I wouldn’t have even considered adding it to my tbr but isn’t that the power of a good review from a friend. 802 701 AD yikes! I really need to know what HG Wells forecasts for us. If Earth still even exists even. Amazing review!


message 45: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 01:31PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Valerie Book Valkyrie wrote: "You are so right Federico: so many books are a much better experience if read before seeing any movie adaptation! And, so many others are much better without any movie at all! When I was doing some..."

Ah if only one could do both things without any consequences for the other! But, alas, at least for me, reading the book or watching the movie, whatever comes first kills the surprise for the second. No way around it! Had never heard of that other book before. Thank you for the rec Valerie :) !


message 46: by Federico (last edited Feb 10, 2025 01:37PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Esta wrote: "I need to read this and then watch the movie with Guy Pearce! I love your enthusiasm for this Fede, I wouldn’t have even considered adding it to my tbr but isn’t that the power of a good review fro..."

Sadly, I'm not so cheery as Mr. Wells Esta! Even in my most optimistic forecasts I think we'll destroy the Earth or each other long before we reach that age lol. But with some luck maybe some animals and greenery may yet be alive to see that day <3. Thank you and hope you enjoy it if you give it a go :D


message 47: by Alexandra (new)

Alexandra I like time travel stories too! And this one is classic - aaand it's good. I remember that I liked it quite a lot. Excellent review, Federico, I enjoyed reading it :)


Federico DN Alexandra wrote: "I like time travel stories too! And this one is classic - aaand it's good. I remember that I liked it quite a lot. Excellent review, Federico, I enjoyed reading it :)"

Either good or bad, getting to know the very first one is always such a special treat <3. Thank you Alexandra! Glad you enjoyed it too :D


message 49: by Stacey B (new)

Stacey B Wow!


Federico DN Stacey B wrote: "Wow!"

Yowza :D !


« previous 1
back to top