The Country of the Blind by H.G. Wells is another tale from the “Bedtime Stories” book that I’ve been reading for the Once Upon a Time challenge. The challenge is a great excuse for me to read more fantasy. I also began reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
Once upon a time there was a valley in the Andes that was cut off from the rest of the world by a powerful earthquake. Before the earthquake, however, the valley got inhabited by settlers fleeing the Spanish rule. It was a marvelous place abundant with everything a man needed to survive and prosper save for one grave flaw: all children born in the valley were afflicted with blindness. Gradually, generation after generation, people of the valley adapted to their condition and did it so perfectly that they lost the very concept of sight, while their other senses, such as touch and hearing, had become keener, more developed. They built a set of paths in the valley that served as guides, helping them orient themselves in the environment. Naturally, they developed their own model of the world in accordance with their perceptions and with no room for seeing.
And so they led their contented and peaceful existence in total isolation, until one day, through a falling accident, a man from the outer world stumbled into the valley. His name was Nunez, “an acute and enterprising man,” who was quick to recall that “in the country of the blind, a one-eyed man is king.” But his hosts, or captors, were of a different mind. “Four days passed and the fifth found the King of the Blind still incognito, as a clumsy and useless stranger among his subjects.” As a decisive man of vision, Nunez tried persuasion, so these people could grasp the full measure of their inferiority. However, because the concept of seeing was alien to them, they found his talk of the bigger world and particularly that of sight disturbing and wicked. When all the words failed, the resourceful and unyielding Nunez resorted to force. Yet, although blind, the people of the valley proved capable opponents, and Nunez’s attempt at coup d’état only put the self-proclaimed king in a position of servitude and inferiority. Resigned to his fate, Nunez began to learn the blind people’s way and tried to fit in. He even fell in love and was about to marry a woman. But that would come at a price – his ability to see and enjoy all the wonders that came with it.
Wells wrote two versions of the story: in the original version Nunez ran off into the mountains and died. The second version has a different ending, but I haven’t read it.
When reading the story, I marveled at Wells’s ability to bring to life the fictitious world of the blind through great detail and vivid imagery. It’s one of the stories that I can read and re-read and never get tired of it thanks to Wells’s exquisite use of language and his appealing style.
Herbert George “H.G.” Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English author, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing text books and rules for war games. Together with Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback, Wells has been referred to as “The Father of Science Fiction.” Some of his early novels, called “scientific romances”, invented a number of themes now classic in science fiction in such works as The Time Machine, The Island of Doctor Moreau, The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, When the Sleeper Wakes, and The First Men in the Moon. — Information via Wikipedia
Related articles
- Book review; The Country of the Blind, H.G. Wells (kasiajames.wordpress.com)
- Book Review: The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells (blogcritics.org)
I’m reading academic stuff at the moment, but in connection with non-academic: HP Lovecraft, and all related: Poe, Machen,. Blackwood, Dunsany – all sorts of gothic & sf. It’s fun. Like Mr, Wells is fun – & incredibly thought-provoking.
Wow, you’ve got quite a list! And it’s a great list! I am trying to catch up on my reading before I start my course this week. I also got Franz Kafka’s “The Castle” from the library (audio book) so I can listen to it when I do my chores or walk the dogs. Thanks for your comment!
I read the Castle ages ago. To really do your head in, read his The Trial 🙂
I haven’t read any Wells yet. He sounds like a writer I would really enjoy.
I am sure you’ll enjoy his books. i will certainly read more of Wells’s novels and stories.
I haven’t read this story before, but it sounds quite interesting. I usually don’t read short stories. I prefer stories with more meat on their bones, so to speak. In fact the longer the book or series, the more likely I am to read it. 🙂
Actually short stories are not as popular as novels in general. But I’ve always loved short stories and novellas, especially multi-author collections. I find that novels sometimes focus more on the plot and character development, while short stories allow more room for an author to experiment with the language. The stories that I read from the Bedtime stories book are so delightful, I can read them over and over again. Just like Wells’s Country of the Blind. Plus they give a really good taste of an author’s style, which, to me, is most important.
I read “The War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine” earlier this year and was impressed by the way that Wells is able to weave social commentary into his writing. His books aren’t long, but they are definitely thought-provoking.
I think it’s a great gift to be able to weave social commentary in the narrative so it’s organic and doesn’t sound like a text-book. I was also amazed at the richness of themes and underlying layers of meaning in a short story.
Thanks for your comment!
Wells is a hero, not read ‘Bed Time stories’ though, must give it a try. Also have you read Way of Kings (Sanderson)? I loved it.
I haven’t read much of Sanderson. But will add Way of Kings to my list. Thanks for your comment!
I’ll second that recommendation. Sanderson creates a world in Way of Kings that goes above and beyond the typical fantasy/medieval model, and the story is just awesome.
Thanks, Grace. I hope the Way of Kings is better than Mistborn. I don’t mind Mistborn, but after 150 pages I am a bit disappointed by Sanderson’s laskluster style (maybe it’s too much to ask of a fantasy novel?), but I’ll stick around – like Vin “just to see what happens.” 🙂
I’ve never heard of this title–the Nunez quote, yes, but the title of the book it came from, no. Thanks for bringing it up!
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Your review of Mr. Wells’ work is superb, Natalie. I’m sure he would be pleased. 🙂
You are so sweet! Thank you! 🙂
I liked the story and it reminds me of Paulo Coeiho’s Veronika decides to die
Soft to the touch and with so many style options, this
line has already proved to be a hit. Not only is their beginning not Earth
friendly, but when you throw them into the garbage they end up
sitting in the landfill. The bag weighs less than a clunky watering can and it’s easier to handle.
what is the theme of this history