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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
The first half to two-thirds was slow because of way too much detail (as appears to be typical of novels from this era), but it was still interesting. Then the last half to two-thirds became more focused on the story and left behind a lot of the extraneous detail and was excellent. Also: I totally did not see that ending coming.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
So, not my favorite Jules Verne; I found myself skipping a lot of parts on how the castaways used their ingenuity to make things. And my my how easily things worked out for them! I almost marked it as fantasy because it seemed like no matter what the issue, it was immediately and easily solved. Either through good, old-fashioned know how by Cyrus Harding, their intrepid leader, or pure luck, eg, finding what they need washed up on the shore. It was pretty annoying. But I loved the castaways, especially Cyrus Harding and Ayrton. They saved the novel for me. Also it picked up there at the end, and I found myself wanting to know what happened, not just wanting to finish the book :) I'd say it was worth the journey.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Last year I participated with a group of friends in doing a Secret Santa. This was the book that my Santa gave me (as well as Gulliver's Travels). I think it was because of the fact I was moaning about the lack of any Verne on Maui. I am SOOOOO glad my santa chose this book for me. It was amazing. Yes there were some dry parts, unless you like painstaking detail about how to make Iron or Bricks, but even they were quickly dispatched, and could be skimmed without really mising anything.
Verne's Characters rank in loveability with Characters such as Jim Hawkins,Rhett Butler,Huck Fynn and Tom Sawyer, as a matter of fact there were not many characters I did not like,other than the ones you were supposed to dislike. For me,IMHO, This Classic ranks right up there with The Count of Monte Christo, Great Expectations ETC. I have already read Journey to the Centre of the Earth and again in my humble opinion this outranks it by miles! If you are not familiar with Verne I think this qwould be a great one to start with. And no matter how knowledgeable you are, the end will leave you saying WTF. However, all the Mysteries of said Mysterious Island are dealt with and you are not left with the feeling of ok now what happens.
Verne's Characters rank in loveability with Characters such as Jim Hawkins,Rhett Butler,Huck Fynn and Tom Sawyer, as a matter of fact there were not many characters I did not like,other than the ones you were supposed to dislike. For me,IMHO, This Classic ranks right up there with The Count of Monte Christo, Great Expectations ETC. I have already read Journey to the Centre of the Earth and again in my humble opinion this outranks it by miles! If you are not familiar with Verne I think this qwould be a great one to start with. And no matter how knowledgeable you are, the end will leave you saying WTF. However, all the Mysteries of said Mysterious Island are dealt with and you are not left with the feeling of ok now what happens.
This was one of my MOST FAVORITEST BOOKS EVER when I was a kid.
My god.
I apparently never noticed how incredibly racist it is (in that "benevolent" condescending 19th century style). It's also amazingly focused on the "man conquering nature" perspective. The castaways are well on their way to *completely ruining* the ecosystem of their little island. Oh, except that every single plant and animal population is described as "limitless."
It's still a nerdily fun read, if you like learning about how you might make a telegraph system on a deserted island. But lord, it is certainly a product of its time.
My god.
I apparently never noticed how incredibly racist it is (in that "benevolent" condescending 19th century style). It's also amazingly focused on the "man conquering nature" perspective. The castaways are well on their way to *completely ruining* the ecosystem of their little island. Oh, except that every single plant and animal population is described as "limitless."
It's still a nerdily fun read, if you like learning about how you might make a telegraph system on a deserted island. But lord, it is certainly a product of its time.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
This book is a classic but, by today's standards is rather dry. It didn't really pick up until half way through the book when they were already well established on the island. There was little character development, except for Ayrton. Over all, I'm glad I read it, but I will not be re-reading.
So I thought this was a great read! I first downloaded it based on a review from Amazon. I do not regret that decision at all. It kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the time. Now I freely admit there are plenty of so dry parts and you do skim a lot in those times. However, even the scientific explanations were entertaining because of their ingenuity in that situation. Also it's interesting that Verne addressed many philosophical, societal, and environmental issues that were way ahead of its time. I agree with other reviewers that the ending is a bit of a let down but it's still worth it to read The Mysterious Island.
This book was long and tedious. I wanted to quit so many times, but it was my own stubborn "never give up on a book" attitude that just wouldn't let me. The first half especially was very dry with not much action happening other than creating objects. Somehow they all had magical knowledge of how to create every single thing they would ever need in day to day life!
While the book became more exciting in Parts two and three, it was still a struggle to get through. Classic or not, I would not recommend this book.
Over all, 2/5 - I didn't absolutely hate it.
While the book became more exciting in Parts two and three, it was still a struggle to get through. Classic or not, I would not recommend this book.
Over all, 2/5 - I didn't absolutely hate it.