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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
A fun and imaginative classic of Victorian science-fiction. Author Jules Verne can sometimes get a bit didactic -- and I wish he would distinguish more between established scientific fact and his own rampant speculations, many of which are now hilariously dated and patently false -- but he still tells an action-packed story and paints a fascinating character in Captain Nemo. This novel has been hugely influential for good reason, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
big fan of books with vengeful sea captains and the occasional creature-related info-dump. Melville and Verne sure know how to write 'em.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So, this one… I have read another one of Jules Verne’s books before and liked it. I also would say that I liked this one - I just found it to be a bit boring and dragging its feet at times. Apart from the descriptions (or rather listings) of plant and animal life underwater that Professor Arronax makes, this book is actually a quite fun underwater adventure. I just would’ve wished for a more engaging writing style (not to say that it was a bad one - I just could’ve lived with less listings and a more concise story). And the characters acted like everything was in perfect order even when they were in grave danger - they had time for ‘civilised’ communications even when they knew their lives were at stake. I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if they actually acted according to the situation and not as though they were stuck in their ways even in the most difficult situations. The ending felt like a cop out to me as well. It would’ve been more interesting to actually read about their survival than to just be told that they survived and that Arronax had no recollection of how. That felt a bit underwhelming.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
jules verne you drive me crazy
Mixed feelings about the book. The main character misses many opportunities to escape, identifies a little too closely with his captor, is too easily distracted by something shiny. Otoh the science is both good and terrible and that’s kind of fun. For example, they dive to impossible depths with zero negative effects.
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked this book because it is a very creative idea, especially I think for its time, and Jules Verne as an author is historically important in the development of scientific fiction and this book sheds light on the literature and world of his time. However, it was harder to appreciate this novel outside of the historical context it was written. Traveling around the world in an underwater vessel is not so much of a revolutionary or brand new idea anymore. While there were really creative and intriguing elements, they were certainly less exciting than they may have been to the original audience. The book also gets quite caught up in vividly describing the aquatic life and mechanisms of the submarine. While this can be interesting, it holds the plot of the story back. Overall though, I am glad I read this book.
This book probably started my love for more "candid stories", books where not much plot happens and it's just showcasing the everyday actions of the cast. I hear how people don't like the book because it is long and jarring, but I think people are saying that because they're comparing its bulk to the more action-packed, establishing beginning. And if you miss that part while reading, such action returns at the end. All in all, I love this book and hope to read its sequel, "The mysterious Island", in the future.