Tono-Bungay

Set in early 20th-century England, the novel follows the rise and fall of a quack medicine empire built around a fraudulent product called Tono-Bungay. The story is narrated by Edward P. Ponderevo, who reflects on his life, the impact of the burgeoning consumer culture, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding science and capitalism. Through sharp social commentary, Wells critiques the era's obsession with wealth and status while exploring themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world.