Perhaps the least famous of H.G. Wells top three books, (the others being The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds), the name is still familiar to almost anybody, although besides a murky recollection of Hollywood movie trailers from years ago, I didn't know what to expect when I opened this book.

Told by the main characters own hand, the story starts when Edward Prendick is rescued by a passing ship, after the one he was voyaging on previously was sunk. There he meets a man called Montgomery, who saves his life with his medical knowledge while being oddly humble about it, saying that he saved him for some random reason.

After taking refuge on an island, the destination of Montgomery, a load of animals boxed in the hold, and an older man, later found to be the namesake of the book, Dr. Moreau. Upon landing on the island, he wonders at the odd looking helpers the two men have to aid them. After a short while, he finds that the work of Doctor Moreau is turning the animals into human-like beasts through a tortuous process.

Why Dr. Moreau created these is slightly confusing. He says that he could have picked any form as the final state for his experiments, but that the human form had something "artistic" about it. It seems more though that he feels he is elevating these creatures to a higher level. Moreau focuses mainly on the cerebral part of his animals. To create something intelligent is his goal, something with morals and emotions might be more specific. To eliminate the animal instinct is something he cannot do.

While in a distrusting mood, Prendick leaves the two biologists and meets with some of their past creations. There they try to teach him Laws, dogmatic phrases that they believe makes one a Man. From this and some of Dr. Moreaus' own speeches you can find arguments as to what makes up a man; what makes a beast a beast. While I don't agree with some of what Dr. Moreau says, I don't think H.G. Wells wants you too. Hmm. Looks like I still can't shake the English-class book report syndrome; still looks interesting to read though, so it's staying. ;-)