The Wonderful Visit: An Original and Unabridged Edition - A Deep Dive Review

by H. G. Wells (Author) Jon Daniels Publishing (Editor)

Updated at: 20/01/2025

In H.G. Wells's fantastical The Wonderful Visit, an angel descends upon the quaint English village of Sidderford, only to be shot down by the bird-obsessed Reverend Hilyer. This unabridged edition faithfully reproduces the 1895 original, preserving Wells's witty and insightful exploration of the clash between angelic idealism and human reality. The vicar's attempt to profit from his extraordinary capture, and the angel's bewildered observations of earthly life, create a humorous and thought-provoking narrative. A classic of science fiction and fantasy, The Wonderful Visit offers a unique blend of satire and wonder, making it a delightful read for Wells enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Enjoy this stunning reproduction, complete with original illustrations, from Jon Daniels Publishing.

The Wonderful Visit: An Original and Unabridged Edition

4.1 / 288 ratings

Review The Wonderful Visit

"The Wonderful Visit," an 1895 novella by H.G. Wells, is a delightful and surprisingly relevant read. It's not your typical Wells sci-fi adventure – there are no time machines or Martians – but it retains his sharp wit and insightful social commentary. The premise itself is wonderfully whimsical: an angel, literally, falls from the sky (or another dimension, to be precise) and lands in a quaint English village, promptly getting shot by the local vicar.

From there, the story unfolds with a charming blend of humor and pathos. The vicar, a bird-obsessed man of God, mistakes the angel for a rare avian specimen. This initial blunder sets the stage for a series of wonderfully awkward encounters as the angel, named Thomas, tries to navigate the complexities of human society. Wells’s writing expertly captures the clash between Thomas’s innocent, utopian worldview and the often petty, self-serving nature of the villagers. Thomas’s gentle naivety acts as a magnifying glass, highlighting the absurdities of Victorian social conventions and prejudices. The reactions of the villagers, from fear and suspicion to avarice and prurience, are both funny and sadly familiar.

What struck me most was how timeless the story feels. While the setting is undeniably Victorian, the human responses to the unexpected – the blend of fear, curiosity, and self-interest – are universal. Wells gently mocks the societal norms of his time – the class distinctions, the rigid moral codes, the obsession with appearances – and, in doing so, exposes similar human frailties that persist today. It’s a subtle satire, more suggestive than overtly critical, which allows for a broader, more enduring resonance.

While some might find the pace a little slow, or the plot somewhat lacking in dramatic tension (it's a novella, after all!), I found the gentle unfolding of the narrative perfectly suited to the whimsical nature of the story. The focus is less on thrilling action and more on the intriguing interactions between Thomas and the villagers, and the observations made about humanity's foibles through the lens of his otherworldly perspective.

The book also cleverly uses humor. The descriptions of the angel’s attire, the vicar’s frantic attempts to explain the situation, and the villagers' increasingly outlandish reactions are all brilliantly comical. But the humor never overshadows the more thoughtful aspects of the story. It's a delicate balance, and Wells handles it masterfully.

One could argue that the ending feels a bit abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered about the angel's origins and ultimate fate. However, I felt this ambiguity added to the story's charm. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and encourages further reflection on the themes explored throughout the book. Overall, "The Wonderful Visit" is a delightful and insightful read – a clever blend of fantasy, humor, and social commentary that remains remarkably relevant even today. Highly recommended for those seeking a charming and thought-provoking escape, especially fans of H.G. Wells's more whimsical side.