Day of the Triffids

What’s it about?

After seeing the various film and TV versions, I was surprised how good this tale about a world taken over by giant killer plants, that stalk living prey – humans included, was.

This classic was done little justice by the 1981 TV mini series and even less so by the cheesy 1962 horror film effort.

Written as pure science fiction (not horror) in 1951, John Wyndham’s novel is still a gripping, suspenseful read. It paints a vivid picture of a quieter but still recognisable London, following an unlikely scientist and society girl couple in a race for survival, as civilization disintegrates around them.

Refreshingly, the heroine is more tough totty (for her time) rather than the screaming idiot that’s portrayed on celluloid. The dialogue may be a little old fashioned along with some of the characters’ manners and dress, but this comes across as quaint more than irritating and just adds to the authenticity of the book.

My one criticism would be the lack of clues about the nature of the mysterious disease that is also killing many of the survivors (– or did I miss something??).

Is it any good?

I’d give it 4 out of 5, this is definitely one to read not watch. The book’s slim line size also makes it great for tube reading.