Adina (way behind on reviews, no notifications) 's Reviews > The Island of Dr. Moreau

Read 2016

I am giving this book four stars for the prophetic quality and not for its value as classic horror story. I read quite a few horror classics for my project to go through the history of sci fi/fantasy. I am not too impressed by the genre but I appreciate the effort, considering the period is was written.

The plot in a few words. After his boat sinks, Mr. Prendick finds himself stranded on an island together with two mysterious men, one being Mr. Moreau and a number of strange humanoids. The MC realizes that Mr. Moreau makes vivisections on different species of animals and humanizes them.
Mr. Moreau imposes to the creatures a series of laws in order to keep them in control, one of them being not to eat meat, a rule difficult to obey for carnivores. Another problem is that, in time, the creatures regain their animal appearance and instincts and their human part regresses. As a result, the rules become harder and harder to keep and some start to kill.

I had to see beyond the science part as it is obvious that these experiments were impossible back then, with the knowledge they had. However, I believe the book has a deeper message regarding the ethic of science and experiments on animals which is something I can relate to and relevant also in the present. Moreover, it feels like the book makes a case against colonization and forced religion.