The Day of The Triffids is a perfectly executed book. This is evident not only from the fact that it is published as a Penguin Classic, in a familiar, pocket sized paperback, but also, right from the first page.
It all starts when our narrator, Bill, finds himself in hospital. He has bandages on his eyes and face, and speaks mournfully of missing a spectacle of glowing green lights in the sky which everyone else is speaking about as a once in a generation spectacle he will never get to see. He's unlucky, or so he believes.
Opening a story from the point of view of a blind character, and in the first person is a perfect introduction to exploring a foreign world. A world that is, as Bill quickly teaches us, is changed forever.
At first, the cause is unknown, but then Bill gets to observe, as he removes his bandages and starts to see the world for what it has become, an empire of wandering, aimless, groping figures who cannot see. Those who were lucky enough to see the glowing lights in the sky. Perhaps the last thing that they would ever see.
We then learn of Bill's past, and he is no less than the perfect character to guide us through the crisis. He has knowledge of the Triffids, towering, aggressive carnivorous plants who can walk, and lash out at humanity and indeed, anything that moves which isn't a Triffid. He speaks of their weaknesses, their value, and the modest career he made working these foreign plants. It is unclear if the mysterious light and the proliferation of the Triffids are linked. It doesn't matter. It is a question that you can answer for yourself when you read the book, and one that we could debate for generations to come, because this book will still be read in many generations deep in the future.
The Day of The Triffids is a tale of survival, exploration, problem solving, a series of success, then further setbacks before success again lingers so close. The book is so close to perfectly emulating the classic, well done fictional structure, wrapping together an impressive plot, believable characters, horrific breakdowns of society, while also speculating upon what it really is - purpose, social cohesion, the fabric of how a modern economy functions.
It is little wonder that it is a subject of study in literature. It contains the blueprint for fantastic fiction and excellent writing. There are some impressive bits of oration in the book from various characters, and there is a variety of conflicting views about what to do next with a planet threatened by the Triffids.
Groups dissolve and form around different ideologies, and Bill balances his decision making on the benefits and drawbacks of each of those he encounters. All along the way, he pursues a love interest, Josella, which gives him a motivation and drive to continue wanting to have a world of tomorrow.
The Day of The Triffids explores so many themes of human connection and is incredibly engaging and entertaining along its mild anthropological studies of the opposing world views on display.
This text does more than stand up as an all time classic of not only the genre of science fiction, but of literature, too. It is a rare example of a title than so expertly weaves together theme, storytelling, character, plot and world building into something thay is truly memorable.
John Wyndham wrote this book masterfully, and I am looking forward to eventually reading the other book of his that I now also own, The Chrysallids, once I am done with Ursula K LeGuinn's omnibus which recently arrived.
Until then, I shall be approaching any and all vegetation with an elevated level of Alsatian, because who knows if there is a species like the Triffid lurking in the few unexplored wildernesses that remain on Earth.
If there are, I am sure that the Earth shall manage absolutely fine without humanity.
