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  • The Day of the Triffids

  • By: John Wyndham
  • Narrated by: Alex Jennings
  • Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (589 ratings)

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The Day of the Triffids

By: John Wyndham
Narrated by: Alex Jennings
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Summary

Bill Masen wakes up one morning in his hospital bed. His eyes are completely bandaged after an eye operation so he is unable to see. He immediately notices how still and quiet everything is. Having taken off his bandages, he discovers that both inside the hospital and out, the majority of the population (who watched a display of startlingly bright comets in the night sky the previous evening) have all gone blind, and realises that there is a terrifying new enemy for humankind to contend with. This is his thrilling, chilling and enthralling story....

When Bill Masen leaves hospital and goes into the centre of London, he finds that looting is rife as people are grabbing anything from the shelves of shops that they think they might find useful - mainly food.

While surveying the scene he comes across an attractive young woman who also wasn't blinded, Josella. Together they return in her car to her parents' home, only to discover everyone at the house has been murdered by the Triffids. The Triffids are walking plants which carry a vicious and lethal sting. Bill used to have one in his back garden, but far from being completely harmless they have now developed and are threatening to take over the world. They are also strongly linked to the mysterious comet shower.

Bill has an advantage over other surviors in that his job had involved him researching the Triffids. In fact, it was a Triffid sting that was one of the reasons he had been in hospital on the night of the comets, and this incident saved him from blindness. Together, Josella and Bill, whose bond to each other is growing, join a group of people, many of whom are blind but some of whom can see, with plans to head into the country...and their true struggle begins.

©1951 CSA Word (P)2009 CSA Word
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What listeners say about The Day of the Triffids

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

All time classic

Sounding a little dated in places, but still an all time classic. Great to rediscover it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

classic book, good version 👍

A good listen. The story is well paced and no jarring omissions. Jennings good narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

All time classic among apocalyptic scenarios.

This has been a favourite of mine since the 60s. Really well presented in this recording.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Story - Strange Production Choices

To clarify, the narration was great.

However, there was a piece of suspenseful music that was played at the end of every chapter or sub chapter. Sometimes it worked perfectly, adding a sense of dread at the perfect moment. But several times, when we were reaching the end of a genuine, heartfelt moment it twisted it to feel bizarre.

I would still recommend this as the story gripped me from beginning to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good

It’s been a very long while since I read this story. It was enjoyable just listening to it being read for me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best sci-fi novel!

The narrator was almost very good. There were too many "I said, she said and he saids" when it was obvious who was speaking. Having said that, a very good story!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Survivalist but not transcendentalist

This book depicts a dystopian world and how people deal with it. It does remind me films like 28 days later, mad max.
The ending is too abrupt but realistic.
At this new age of space race, this is a story feels so real.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story, brilliantly told

This classic has aged well and doesnt feel at all dated. it's sad that it is abridged but is far superior to the later version thanks to the great narration.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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EXCELLENT ! ! !

z z z z z z z z - z z z z - z z - d d t y y uu yf

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exiting, Creepy and so very English

If you don't know John Wyndham's work, this is one to start with.
Familiar with the story through the movies I was surprised by just how creepy the book is (in a very ordinary, understated way) It's a slow burn at first and you need to go at it's pace. If you can settle into the slower pace it really begins to get under your skin. The Triffids themselves are really unpleasant and upsetting antagonists but as is always the case its the humans who are the real monsters! The world feels really real and the characters are 100% believable and relatable (even the bad guys) this was a real delight that made download the rest of John Wyndham's books in quick succession. Alex Jennings dose a fine job and the production is great.

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