The Kraken Wakes

This novel works well at so many levels: a prophecy on the effects of global warming, a study of human nature pushed back to basics, an account of international relations between peoples facing a common threat (giving a taste of the Cold War years for those too young to remember), and perhaps most familiar and frightening of all, a story of government indecision and the importance of controlled messaging (read "spin") when those who should be in control show more interest in courting public opinion than in providing real leadership.
Wyndham's prose seems somewhat dated today, yet it preserves an elegant simplicity familiar to those of a certain age; at times it reads more like a genteel movie script. The science and technology of the story - and therefore some of its dramatic impact - have long since been surpassed by Hollywood, but read in the context of its time it still manages to shock.
Wyndham remains a greatly underrated writer. He deserves more credit both for carving out a unique 'reality-fiction' genre, and for the sheer craftsmanship that makes his work so easy to read.

This must be my fiftieth time reading The Kraken Wakes. It's a fabulous yet believable account of life under attack. Wyndham's writing is always almost believable, making him the only science fiction writer to chill me to the bone.
Every story of his that I've read seems entirely plausible and his ability to find novel ways of his proponents attacking imagination at its best.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Triffids next, methinks!
M