by H.G. Wells
This is one of those classic science fiction stories that makes a great film. However, as with several well known HG Wells stories, the book doesn't hold up quite as well.
The premise of the story is fascinating. A mad doctor has set himself up on an island to conduct experiments in changing DNA in order to transform animals into humans, or proto-humans. Naturally there are problems with reverting to their animal nature.
The best film version I've seen of this story starred Michael York as the shipwrecked man who finds himself caught up in the dynamics of the island's inhabitants.
Although I've only rated this with three stars, I would not dissuade the intelligent reader from reading the original source material. It adds something to the imagery in the films, but be warned that it is considerably more violent than most of the film versions.