I have had the pleasure of reading H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” three times at different stages of my life. Each reading offered a unique perspective, reflecting not only my personal growth but also the changing times we live in.

The first time I read the novel was in 1985, during my early teens. At that time, I was fascinated by science fiction and eagerly devoured books that explored the vast universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. “The War of the Worlds” was a revelation, presenting an alien invasion that captured my imagination and sent chills down my spine. I was thrilled by the ingenuity of humanity as it fought against the Martian forces, and felt a sense of relief when the Martians were finally defeated by earthly pathogens. To my teenage self, the novel was a thrilling adventure, a page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

The second time I read the novel was in 2000, during my college years. By that time, my perspective on life had changed, and I approached the novel with a more critical eye. I was struck by the social commentary woven throughout the book, the way Wells used the alien invasion as a metaphor for the colonialism and imperialism that were rampant during his time. I was also struck by the way the novel dealt with the theme of survival, highlighting the resilience of humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. I found myself appreciating the novel on a deeper level, recognizing the artistry and the message behind the story.

The third time I read the novel was in 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic. As I delved into the story once again, I found myself drawn to the theme of contagion and the role it played in the story. I was struck by the irony of the fact that the Martians, with all their advanced technology and weaponry, were ultimately defeated by something as small and invisible as a virus.

In light of the pandemic, I couldn’t help but see the novel as a reflection on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The Martians, with their advanced technology and weaponry, could represent the destructive forces of industrialization and progress, while the earthly pathogens that ultimately defeat them could symbolize the resilience of the natural world in the face of human intervention. In this reading, the novel takes on a new significance, highlighting the consequences of our actions and the importance of recognizing our place in the world as stewards of the planet.

Reading the novel during this time of uncertainty and fear, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy at the thought of the devastation that pandemics can wreak on a society. The novel took on a new significance for me, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of taking care of ourselves and each other.

In conclusion, reading “The War of the Worlds” three times at different stages of my life has given me a deeper appreciation for the novel and the themes it explores. From a thrilling adventure to a social commentary to a poignant reflection on the fragility of life, the novel has evolved with me, reflecting the changing times we live in and the growth I have experienced as a person. It is a testament to the enduring power of literature and its ability to speak to us in different ways at different times in our lives.