The Midwich Cuckoos

I went into this book with no preconceived idea of what is was about, only that it was recommended by a few readers, and that, of course, it is science fiction from John Wyndham. Published in 1957, it is set in the 1950's and feels like an authentic small rural village setting in Britain.

Often the mark of a good novel for me is being able to surprise me. This is surely rare in a classic sci-fi novel like this, but I genuinely have no recollection of anything about this book - albeit I have read a review or two from friends...

I was pleasantly entertained by this novel, and I don't want to throw out spoilers either, but there were some clever twists in the reading of this - perhaps I should have seen more of them coming - they were not completely left field, but nevertheless they caught me with surprise. It is not a fast paced novel - quite the opposite, but the threat builds steadily throughout the novel. Other than some slightly over-long philosophising dropped into conversation, it was quite readable. Perhaps the only weakness is how readily the village people accept the situation as it unfolds - maybe this was the post-war society stoicism well captured? The form is narration, from a partly involved person, so slightly unusual, but it works well here.

It isn't a long read, although I had it in the car so was only reading a chapter or two at a time, and it took me about 8 (working) days to finish.

Recommended, 4.5 stars, rounded down.

I note that nosing around a few other reviews uncovers the story line rather easily, so perhaps I have been overprotective when not discussing, but I really did benefit from knowing nothing about it in advance. I understand the blub on some editions spoils much of the story too... with my edition this was not the case.