53 pages • 1 hour read
War with the Newts
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Book Brief
241
Novel • Fiction
Worldwide • 1930s
1936
Adult
16+ years
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
15,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
15,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
241
Novel • Fiction
Worldwide • 1930s
1936
Adult
16+ years
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