When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells follows Graham, a Victorian man who takes a sleeping drug in 1897 and wakes up 203 years later in a mechanized, dystopian London where he is the unwitting owner of the world's wealth. He discovers political corruption and exploitation by the White Council and later becomes a reluctant revolutionary leader, seeking to liberate the oppressed working classes. The book contains themes of oppression, violence, and social upheaval.

H. G. Wells' When the Sleeper Wakes is praised for its visionary depiction of a dystopian future, reflecting societal fears and technological advancements. Critics commend Wells' imaginative narrative and foresight, though some find the characters underdeveloped and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a compelling, albeit occasionally flawed, classic of speculative fiction.

Readers who enjoy speculative fiction and social commentary will be captivated by H. G. Wells's When the Sleeper Wakes. Fans of dystopian narratives like George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World will appreciate Wells's exploration of future society and the consequences of industrialization and technology.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Challenging

- When the Sleeper Wakes was first serialized in the magazine The Graphic in 1898 before being published as a book in 1899, showcasing H. G. Wells's keen interest in the future and social commentary.
- H. G. Wells revised the novel extensively in 1910; he was dissatisfied with the original version and released it under the title The Sleeper Awakes.
- The novel explores themes of dystopian futures and social structure, anticipating elements of modern speculative fiction and reflecting Wells's vision of rapidly changing urban landscapes.

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