Karel Čapek
Paperback | Pages: 241 pages Rating: 4.17 | 9296 Users | 760 Reviews
Declare Appertaining To Books War with the Newts
| Title | : | War with the Newts |
| Author | : | Karel Čapek |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Special Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 241 pages |
| Published | : | February 1st 1990 by Catbird Press (first published 1936) |
| Categories | : | Science Fiction. Fiction. Classics. European Literature. Czech Literature. Dystopia |
Representaion As Books War with the Newts
Faking News! Newts Trump Humans! I'd become rather blasé when it comes to apocalyptic science fiction. I thought I knew them all, those brave new worlds that writers invent to symbolise the immediate danger of human self-destruction out of sheer stupidity? Think again, Lisa! The newts invited me to the ultimate, unexpected, completely logical fantasy, containing it ALL. Welcome to a roller coaster of the hilarious kind! Does it start with the end of the world as we know it, with the destruction of Earth to give way for a space highway like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? Not quite, but we are heading there… Does it contain human scientific hubris, like The Island of Dr. Moreau? Oh yes, and a lot more ridiculous naivety, if possible! What humans can do, they will do. No matter what the results will be. What about genetically modified plants that fulfill no purpose except for showing us our irresponsible use of natural resources, like in The Day of the Triffids? Actually, the specialised and well-equipped newts make more sense, and are more useful, and potentially more dangerous… What about weapons of mass destruction, used against unknowing humanity, like in The War of the Worlds? Well, humans gave the newts the weapons, and they were not to be beaten by bacteria in the end, despite an internal discussion between the author and the writer (yes!) to consider such a possibility. Best of all, it even suggests a bleak future in Atwood’s spirit, showing a drastically reduced humanity in search of new myths, like MaddAddam and his people. All this, and much, much more, is contained in a small unpretentious book, starting off as a mere farcical adventure story. It changes its shape as the story itself changes, from narrative, to report, to discursive essay, to newspaper clippings and back to farcical narrative again. Not once is it boring, even when you have to go back and forth to read the several pages long footnotes explaining the one sentence you read two pages before. Or when newspaper clippings are published in languages nobody has ever been able to translate. Or when… Not once is it boring. It is the funniest road trip to destruction I have ever read, despite the fact that it is a chillingly truthful allegory on the political developments in the 1930s. It is one of a kind! And universal! Yes, universal Salamandrism is the natural effect of human hubris and stupidity. It was nobody’s fault, really. Everyone just did what they needed to do, to earn more money, to expand territory, to show off power, to do whatever it is humanity does on a daily basis without thinking. That the newts were able to take over and to start changing the world according to their needs, thus creating a mythical flood that reset humanity in a state of pre-biblical, pre-Gilgamesh history, was ultimately the direct consequence of humankind’s delusion that they would always be stronger, more clever, less vulnerable than all other species! Beaten by the mediocrity and homogeneity of a species with less extravagant desires, humanity now has to wait for centuries in remote mountain villages until they can start their comeback: “A new myth about a world flood will arise which God sent for the sins of mankind. There will also be legends of submerged and mythical lands which were the cradle of human culture; perhaps there will be a fable about a land called England, or France, or Germany.” “And then?” “I don’t know what comes next.” Thus ends the final dialogue between author and writer, and despite highlighting three quarters of the book, I will not add any more quotes, for it is my honest opinion that every human being and newt on earth should read this excellent tale firsthand!Point Books In Pursuance Of War with the Newts
| Original Title: | Válka s Mloky |
| ISBN: | 0945774109 (ISBN13: 9780945774105) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Characters: | Captain John van Toch, G. H. Bondy, Mr. Povondra, Frantik Povondra, Chief Salamander, Andrew Scheuchzer, Abe Loeb, Lily Valley, Miss Judy, Baseball Fred, Thomas Greggs, Mr. Valenta, Mr. Golombek, Pat Dingle, Jens Jensen |
Rating Appertaining To Books War with the Newts
Ratings: 4.17 From 9296 Users | 760 ReviewsAssess Appertaining To Books War with the Newts
Faking News! Newts Trump Humans! I'd become rather blasé when it comes to apocalyptic science fiction. I thought I knew them all, those brave new worlds that writers invent to symbolise the immediate danger of human self-destruction out of sheer stupidity?Think again, Lisa! The newts invited me to the ultimate, unexpected, completely logical fantasy, containing it ALL. Welcome to a roller coaster of the hilarious kind!Does it start with the end of the world as we know it, with the destruction ofA Dutch sea captain discovers intelligent, human-sized newts in a remote island bay. So he does what anyone would do and tells somebody with money. The Newts are then put to work building harbors and extending coastlines, and hilarity ensues. Well, for the most part. There is a war at the end of this book. Racism is also a major theme, both directly and allegorically through humanity's treatment of the Newts. The humor is sarcastic and in a few places dark. It skewers all elements of society:
Satire is my favorite genre. And this book is a gem.Nowhere have I ever found a better description of homo sapienss boundless greed, bigotry, stunning thoughtlessness, and utter stupidity.This book leaves no parts, levels or facets of society unscathed. Karel Capek satirizes science, academia, education, business, politics, fascism, communism, militarism, law, religion, philosophy, racism, journalism, and just about every trait of human nature one can think of. Yet it isnt all funny. It is also
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Vaduz in the mountains of Liechtenstein where negotiations are being held to end the hostilities between humans and newts. Although the meetings are held behind closed doors, it has become known that on the 117th day an agreement has been reached concerning the temperature and the salt concentration for the water in the tubs in which the members of the newts-delegation are staying during the trials. In two or three months the agenda will presumably be decided by
Karl Capek is a master. Maybe because he came of age as a writer in a political environment where he had to get his work past censors, he is insanely sly and effective at using a story as a parable. The first trick is writing a story that is engaging in and of itself while providing a secondary layer for those readers who are looking for it. In the case of War with the Newts, a race of amphibians with human like qualities are discovered (in Chapter 1). This provides the basis for a great story.
One of the most enjoyable books I ever read, and definitely only one distopia I really ever liked. Main concept of this book was repeated many many times after, for example in Starship Troopers. Goverment finds a public enemy, moves it ahead, unleashes society and mass-media on it, eventually organizes a war against it...Heroes, tragedies, war crimes.. for what? Newts!(well we could find examples of this not only in literature, won't we).BUT, as oppossed to We or 1984 this book is INCREDIBLY
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