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“THE SAVAGES: A SOLID NOVELISATION WITH DIMINISHED ATMOSPHERE”

This review is based on the 2021 audiobook version narrated by Peter Purves.

Ian Stuart Black does a fine job adapting his own TV script into prose, remaining faithful to the original while enhancing certain aspects. His descriptions of tense and atmospheric moments, such as the Doctor’s transfer process in Chapter 6 or the smoke attack sequence in Chapter 8, are particularly vivid. The novelisation allows for deeper insight into the characters' emotions, adding subtle touches that let us understand their motivations better.

One notable improvement is Dodo, who comes across with more energy and enthusiasm than in the TV version. Strengthened by Peter Purves’ narration, she feels more proactive and engaging. However, some of the other characters, particularly Jano and Chal, don’t translate as effectively to the page without the performances of Frederick Jaeger and Ewen Solon to bring them to life.

ATMOSPHERE AND PACING – NOT AS STRONG AS THE TV VERSION

While Black’s prose is effective, the novelisation struggles to fully capture the eerie and oppressive atmosphere of the original serial. The loss of the performances, visual elements, and music makes the tension slightly less palpable. Although the book retains the same story beats, some of the dramatic weight is diminished, particularly in moments that relied on the interplay between the actors.

The middle portion of the story retains the same pacing issues as the televised version, with a noticeable slowdown before the final confrontation. The action is well described, but without the energy of the visuals and sound design, some sequences don’t land as powerfully as they did on screen.

UNUSUAL CHAPTER TITLES

One oddity in this novelisation is the choice of chapter titles. Instead of conventional headings, each chapter is named after a line of dialogue that encapsulates its events. While this approach is distinctive, it doesn’t always work effectively, sometimes feeling vague or out of place.

A SATISFYING FINAL CHAPTER AND THEMATIC CLOSURE

Despite some of its shortcomings, the novelisation retains the story’s strongest elements, particularly the final chapter. Steven’s decision to stay behind is given weight, emphasising his leadership qualities and the responsibility he accepts in uniting the warring factions. The resolution, in which the villains are not killed but given a chance to redeem themselves, remains a satisfying conclusion. Jano’s arc, in which he learns from his mistakes and vows to rebuild a fairer society, is well handled.

PETER PURVES’ NARRATION – A PERFECT FIT

Peter Purves is an excellent choice for the audiobook. His portrayal of the Doctor is particularly strong, capturing Hartnell’s speech patterns and mannerisms effectively. Naturally, his performance as Steven is also spot on, bringing his own character to life with ease. The inclusion of simple sound effects, such as the firing of light guns, helps reinforce the action sequences and adds an extra layer of immersion.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

The The Savages novelisation is a solid and faithful adaptation of the serial, with strong prose and added character depth. However, it doesn’t quite match the atmosphere and tension of the original due to the loss of the performances, visuals, and music. Peter Purves’ narration is a major highlight, making the audiobook version particularly enjoyable. While it may not surpass the TV version, it remains a worthwhile addition for fans of the story.