3.76 AVERAGE


I listened to the audio.

I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to! It does get a little waffly from time to time but it also feels like there’s something constantly happening. So, sometimes I found myself checking out, but it was also easy to be pulled back in. I liked most of the characters and it’s got me thinking I should try more from Verne. We’ll see.

Jules Verne, a pioneer of science fiction, authored the timeless queer classic "Around the World in Eighty Days." His fascination with exploration, science, and the technological advancements of the 19th century heavily influenced the creation of this fabulous adventurous tale. Verne's meticulous research and passion for technological innovations shine through the story, and for people like me who are particularly interested in these things too, so this is genuinely a must read.

The narrative follows Phileas Fogg, an enigmatic and methodical Englishman, and his adventurous journey around the world to win a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. Accompanied by his loyal French valet, Passepartout, the duo embarks on a whirlwind expedition, encountering various challenges, cultures, and landscapes.

Controversially, I’d say that Fogg and Passepartout are just as much as an iconic duo as Sherlock and Watson.

Verne's passion for science and innovation is evident in his works, where he often incorporated cutting-edge scientific theories and inventions of his time into his storytelling. He was known for his ability to foresee future technological advancements, predicting submarines, space travel, and even lunar modules long before they became a reality.

This novel, celebrated for its adventurous spirit and exploration of global cultures, has rightfully captivated readers for generations, as they traverse continents and experience unexpected adventures.

However, personally, I have this book four out of five stars only because I wished for more details about the diverse cultures and geographical nuances of the places visited. Verne was not an extensive traveler himself; instead, he relied on meticulous research, scientific publications, maps, and accounts from explorers to create his imaginative narratives. While the story is captivating, the narrative tends to focus more on the characters' escapades and technology than on offering in-depth cultural insights. It upset me.

Verne believed in the power of literature to educate and entertain, infusing his narratives with scientific accuracy and adventurous spirit to inspire curiosity and wonder in his readers- he does this, but I feel like he could’ve easily taken it further.

Despite this minor critique, Around the World in Eighty Days remains an iconic adventure tale. Its enduring popularity lies in Verne's imaginative storytelling and the portrayal of a world filled with excitement, suspense, and a sense of wonder. It continues to inspire readers and holds a significant place in the canon of adventure literature.

Verne's foresight and ability to weave a thrilling tale of global exploration have had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, making this book a timeless classic that sparks the imagination of readers young and old.

Świetna przygodówka, trzyma napięcie.

"The eccentric gentleman had throughout displayed all his marvelous qualities of coolness and exactitude. But what then? What had he really gained by all this trouble? What had he brought back from this long and weary journey? Nothing, say you? Perhaps so; nothing but a charming woman, who, strange as it may appear, made him the happiest of men! Truly, would you not for less than that make the tour around the world?" ;)
adventurous fast-paced

I only read this so I could finally work out how inaccurate every adaptation has been (including the new BBC one starring David Tennant as (so far) the most ineffectual and mentally tortured Fogg yet). Turn out all of them are monstrously inaccurate for one reason or another.

In fact it's quite a dull book with huge swathes of inactivity (sitting on various modes of transport playing whist seemed to be the most popular) interspersed with small flurries of action.

At the end of it you have to wonder a few things. For example is the acquisition of a wife really worth 20k (around 455,000 in today's money); was Detective Fix really just in it for a free trip around the world and is Passepartout actually the biggest liability as a travelling companion?

It's not a bad book but it wasn't as exciting as the adaptations would have you believe.
adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I appreciate Jules Verne’s writing but I thought this one was just “ok”. It’s categorized as science fiction and it was no where near that genre. It was more of an adventure novel. I liked it and can appreciate it for what it is and what it, and all of Jules Verne’s books, did for the genre but I didn’t find it all that interesting. The main character was much more tolerable than the main character in Journey to the Center of the Earth but it was still another rich white guy with a lot of time on his hands so he decides to go on an adventure.
adventurous hopeful inspiring relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

(4/5) this is a lovely book, the first part is very amazing, the scenarios are incredible and make you feel inside the book. I liked the last past less.