Table of Contents
Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote the science fiction novel in 1871. David Christie Murray and the magician, Nevil Maskelyne changed the book in a stage play. They showed the performance at Saint George’s Hall in London in January 1905 but received limited success.
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Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Genre: Science Fiction Novel
Page: 187
Good reads rating: 3.24 of 5
My Rating: 6.7 of 10
Published: May 1871 (Original publication)
Publisher: Forgotten Books (November 7, 2007)
Language: English
For The Latest Price: Vril
***Warning Spoilers Below This Point***
According to research, the author developed the idea Vril because of his fascination with natural forces and spiritualism. The story starts with the main protagonist, a young, independent, wealthy traveller who visits his friend. He used to work as a mining engineer. They both explored a mine.
The narrator reached the bottom of the cave with the help of a rope, but his friend got killed after the rope broke while sliding down. The protagonist started finding his way through a path which led him to a subterranean world. The creatures that look like angels occupied it. He made friends with one of them and he guided him to a city that looks like Egyptian architectures.
The new friend of the traveller took him to his house, and he met his wife, son and daughter. The fairy friend of the traveller and his daughter Zee told him about their purpose. The traveller came to know about the abilities of the creatures, who called themselves, Vril-ya. They had many types of abilities. They could relieve pain, make others sleep, and many more. The traveller became upset after they told him they want to teach him their skills.
But his friend and his family behaved politely towards him and explained that women and men carry the same power. Women are also larger than men and marry for three years only. After that, it will be their choice whether they want to re-marry. The women will be free to marry anyone else then. He also learned about the place they originated from.
The traveller amazed by the story realised that even the kids can destroy a whole city. The daughter of the friend of the narrator fell in love with him and she led him to the cave. She warned him that one day they will return from the underground and will possess the earth to destroy the whole mankind if needed.
In the science fiction novel, the author created a different world with all things becoming possible. The creatures of the world are so powerful they destroy things and re-create it if needed. The author invented a story in his sub-conscious mind about a flawless world where all people display the same strengths and abilities. I rate this novel, 6.7 out of 10 because of the interesting and complex storyline it presents. Would I re-read the novel? Yes. Am I glad I read it? Yes.
For The Latest Price: Vril
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