First published 1953. Penguin, paperback, 1972, pp 240, c.85,000 words.
This is one of Wyndham’s classic science fiction stories (for want of a better term for novels set in a speculative near future). They were hugely popular at least from the 1950s through to the end of the 1970s and were approved reading for young people, being well written and without controversial matter. Like his others of this period, this is set in a contemporary world, but where something has happened to disrupt the normal course of events. In this case it is the arrival of intelligent aliens who can only survive in the deep ocean.
In some ways the book comes across as a love letter to his wife, whom Wikipedia says worked as a teacher and could have lost her job had she married. They lived in adjacent rooms in a club building and eventually married after twenty years. The main protagonist is a married man and from the opening pages is verbally sparring amiably with his wife. It is clear that he is not only in love with her, but greatly admires her intelligence and wit, which is a theme that runs through the novel and gives it much of its charm and humanity.
The threat from the alien invaders gradually emerges, and is in part provoked by the actions of humans, although the aggression comes from both sides. There are some interesting debates amongst the main characters whether or not it is possible for two intelligent species to inhabit the same planet. The conclusion is sadly that it is not, despite the earnest desire of one faction to make friendly contact. Written and set in the 1950s, this is the world of the Cold War and so there is much suspicion between The West and the Soviet Union which also helps drive the plot.
Other 1950s elements include all the characters smoking, and most having considerable alcohol intake; all quite normal in the British middle-class world depicted here. While the characters are period, none are caricatures, coming off the page as believable, real people.
As the plot develops, and the situation becomes bleak for humanity, social order starts to break down. This element is realistically and frighteningly well imagined. The struggle for survival becomes paramount. Some leave it too late to prepare or decide where to make their last stand. Only in the final page, and perhaps rather roughly tacked on, is hope restored.
This book lives up to Wyndham’s reputation for well-crafted storytelling, written in lucid prose. By 21st c. standards this a short book at 240 pages, making it an easily digestible, well written and entertaining read.
© William John Graham, August 2022