Published 1812
A parable, I suppose one might call this story. One of the loops, folds, turns, tribulations of marriage. Full of struggle and hardship, near the finale Wells seeks to interject an Eastern intervention – quiet, away from the milling of the city, the noise, all the people, their money and petty personal issues and interference. To recognize the benefits of ones own hard-work, to labor for the good of yourself and your loved ones – living off the land in rustic, practically extinct fashion, a manner seen 90 years later in many of Jack London's works: this is where Wells appears to lean with his conclusion – lessons gleaned from labor. The benefits of being a stalwart, an individual.
Overall, the most outlandish (unusual) of Well's works, for it's almost too realistic and there's nothing glaringly 'crazy' nor comical about it. Tolerable and easily read, he still has much better works in his personal bibliography.
SPOILERS:
Embarking upon the story of Majorie Pope, a bachelorette, being pursued by one Mr. Magnet – a man of money, wit and..... uh.... money – Majorie is contemplating a relationship as a way to escape the roof of her father's domineering household. This in-spite of notion that she has no love nor fondness for Mr. Magnet. Sure he's a swell enough guy, but the passion just isn't there. There's no draw. Nothing irresistible about the man.
In storms (or flies) Trafford (and Solomannson) on their flying machine – nose-dives it right into the ground, doing a fair job of mangling, but not killing, himself in the process. After tending to Trafford's injuries and engaging him in conversation, Majorie realizes that he's very familiar to her. Trafford was one of her instructors during college. Soon their discourse grows deeper. Majorie issues a split from Mr. Magnet and Trafford, upon approaching Mr. Pope about becoming married to his daughter, is given many smart-whacks about the head.
Heading into their life together, married, buying a house, tied down by children, Trafford gives up his scientific endeavors and becomes a fairly well-to-do and prominent business man. Wheeling (pun!) and dealing in the world of synthetic rubbers for tire manufacturing.
Growing tired, depressed and fitful with his life and Majorie (she's burning thru their – his – earnings by spending on the house and all other kinds of unnecessary things), Trafford consults his mother and says he's going away. Into the mountains, for some quiet, some space, to forget about the trifles concerning money and economics and wasting his day fighting for dollars. His mother suggests including Majorie, to which Trafford relents, asks and Majorie agrees.
After the two has left society, during their venture to the wilderness and amidst an effort to survive Trafford is attacked by a bobcat. Nearing death and stuck in a snowstorm he is kept vigil by Marjorie. Having eventually, and with much effort, been brought back to their cabin he falls into a delirium. Trafford speaks of many things – the philosophical & human aspect of the work: God, religion, money and many other societal and vastly unimportant generalizations. Upon his recovery Trafford strikes the notion that we, as human beings, 'fail to realize the value of anything because we want everything and finally falling upon patience as that which will redeem [my] body.' (5771) – a testament to well health which fosters a well mind.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
mrs sheila butcher
A disappointment for admirers of H G Wells.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2016
Amazon Customer
Marriage (English Edition) ... H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Reviewed in Japan on March 2, 2015
