The Midwich Cuckoos

Another example of classic British Science Fiction by John Wyndham. First published in 1957, the Midwich Cuckoos posits the idea “what if the Human race came up against a more advanced species in its own back yard” and all the chilling implications that would ensue. What makes it more chilling is that the threat is from a group of children.

Told from the point of view of Midwich resident Richard Gayford, the novel tells of Midwich being isolated by some kind of force field for a day and it eventually becomes apparent that virtually every woman of childbearing age within the village is pregnant. The children they give birth to are all eerily similar, with golden eyes and blonde hair. As they get older it becomes apparent that they are something other than human.

This is a novel heavy on philosophical musings, usually expounded through the character of Zellaby, a writer and owner of Kyle Manor. Zellaby becomes a kind of teacher to the Children and really the only one they trust. It is never made explicit that they are of extra-terrestrial origin, but that is the conclusion we are meant to draw.

And if we are no long the top predator.....what do we do? That is the question at the heart of this novel. What does a “civilised” society do in the face of a primal danger?

An excellent read.

I didn't think I would like this as much as I did. I mean, ages ago, I happened upon John Carpenter's Village of the Damned—nice film, good premise, didn't think much of it—, which later I discovered to be an adaptation of a certain The Midwich Cuckoos, by John Wyndham. It got me curious, but that's all. It sat forever on my TBR pile—the mental one, I believe—, until I actually picked it up. And I loved it.

From the clever title to the brilliant opening sentence (“One of the luckiest accidents in my wife's life is that she happened to marry a man who was born on the 26th of September.”) to the amazing, truly great storytelling, TMC got me entangled in what I believe is one of the most underestimated science fiction novels, uh, ever. It delves into science, religion, philosophy, society, and raises interesting, thought-provoking questions; the main characters are charismatic, the Children are terrifying. It sure is dated, and I don't think its main theme is much of a novelty anymore, but I just can't believe how much fun I had reading this.

Knowledge is simply a kind of fuel; it needs the motor of understanding to convert it into power.

I can see how this was riveting back in the day. But for today's standards, does it really hold up that well?

The concept is great. Golden-eyed alien babies? Sign me up! However, this has got to one one of the driest writings I have ever read. After reading Ted Chiang earlier this year this pales in comparison. Nonetheless the plot itself had its good moments so it wasn't a bad experience in the end.