Book 1: Chapter 17, The Thunder Child Summary

The author describes that he writes the chapter concerning his brother's escape to illustrate the immense evacuation happening throughout London. Six million people evacuated. They were terrified and had no idea where to go. Everyone was fighting for their lives and therefore could be nasty towards one another.

As the medical student is traveling with the two women they hear word that the Martians have taken over London. Rumor is it that half of the government members had escaped and are holed up in Birmingham. On Wednesday, a group of people who had given themselves the name Committee of Public Safety seizes their pony. The three refugees continue on foot. They reach the sea at midday. There are more ships in the sea than they have ever seen. Sitting amongst the smaller boats is a...