The History of Mr. Polly by H.G. Wells tells the story of Alfred Polly, an ordinary man trapped in an unfulfilling life. Dissatisfied with his dreary marriage and failing business, Mr. Polly reaches a breaking point and decides to take a bold step to change his fate. Through a mix of humor and heart, Wells explores themes of self-discovery, the search for happiness, and the struggles of the everyday man. Mr. Polly's journey is both touching and relatable, offering a poignant reflection on the pursuit of a more meaningful life.
Adam Roberts is a science fiction author.
@CAPittard At the beginning of "The History of Mr Polly", Wells's protagonist is settled in a Kentish town called ‘Fishbourne’. The novel detours to give us Polly's backstory. When we pick him up again, he's now living in ‘Foxbourne’. Small error that HGW never noticed.