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53 pages 1 hour read

War with the Newts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936

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Book Brief

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Karel Čapek

War with the Newts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936
Book Details
Pages

241

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Worldwide • 1930s

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Karel Čapek's War with the Newts, Captain van Toch discovers talking, tool-using newts on a remote island and commercializes them for pearl harvesting, leading to their widespread exploitation. As the intelligent newts develop their own society and interact with humans, their increasing demands for territory escalate into a global conflict, challenging human civilization.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.0

15,671 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Karel Čapek's War with the Newts is lauded for its satirical brilliance and innovative narrative, blending humor with a deep critique of human nature and societal flaws. However, some readers find its pacing uneven and the allegory occasionally heavy-handed. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and influential work in speculative fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read War with the Newts?

Fans of speculative fiction with a satirical edge, like those who enjoy 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, will appreciate Karel Čapek's War with the Newts. This novel’s blend of dark humor, social critique, and imaginative storytelling appeals to readers fascinated by the intersection of politics, society, and futuristic scenarios.

4.0

15,671 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Captain van Toch

A world-weary, experienced seafarer with sky-blue eyes, who introduces the giant talking salamanders to human society as potential business partners in pearl collection before his death.

A successful businessman and childhood acquaintance of van Toch, who eventually sees economic potential in the newts and exploits them, showcasing a contrasting approach to their treatment.

Bondy's porter, who allows van Toch to meet Bondy and subsequently feels a deep sense of responsibility for the consequences of the newt-related events, marking his role through his personal collection of newspaper clippings.

Czech newspaper editors who introduce Captain van Toch to Bondy, inadvertently playing a part in unfolding the events that lead to the war.

A group of vacationers filming newts on Tahuara; Abe owns the yacht Gloria Pickford, while Li, also known as Miss Lily Valley, drives the film project as an artist.

London Zoo's Reptile House keeper and a talking newt in the exhibit; Greggs teaches Andy to read with newspapers, through which Andy learns about the world.

Characters involved in the Conference at Vaduz, representing newts and human nations, respectively; they satirize real-life political figures and processes.

Book Details
Pages

241

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Worldwide • 1930s

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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