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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-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 definitely understand why this book is a classic. Verne masterfully weaves suspense and practicality throughout the entire novel, while still making the characters and the story likable and dynamic.
However, this is the kind of novel that plays into some of the problematic troupes of normalizing colonialism and the homogenization of non-European/English cultures. Reading this book on the surface, one only sees the fantastic world created by Verne. But upon looking a bit closer, the layers of systematic exoticism of cultures that don’t fit the straight white european male framework is something that is not only sustained in this novel, but praised.
This story and the way in which it is told has with held the test of time, but some of the underlying ideologies should not.
However, this is the kind of novel that plays into some of the problematic troupes of normalizing colonialism and the homogenization of non-European/English cultures. Reading this book on the surface, one only sees the fantastic world created by Verne. But upon looking a bit closer, the layers of systematic exoticism of cultures that don’t fit the straight white european male framework is something that is not only sustained in this novel, but praised.
This story and the way in which it is told has with held the test of time, but some of the underlying ideologies should not.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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 the main character, and how calm he is through the entire story. It makes this book a nice read while I'm anxious.
adventurous
challenging
informative
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:
Yes
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:
Yes
As you can see I’m trying to get through some of the shorter classics i have on my bookshelf. This was a fun easy read. I was actually quite impressed by how easy it was to read. Although it comes across more as a travel book than an adventure book. There is definitely adventurous exploits don’t get me wrong. Our protagonists ride an elephant, save a damsel in distress from execution and get into a duel, just to name some exploits. For some reason i had it in my head that they have a balloon ride at some point but this does not happen - i wonder if this was a movie addition or if im just thinking of a different story because i swear i saw a scene where he arrives in London in a hot air balloon
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Through the seas, to the Earth’s centre, out to the moon, and now around the world. Finally. The adventures are complete. Verne has taken his readers to every place they could possibly want to go, via every locomotive means they could possibly want to move.
Except by balloon.
Although I was disappointed that the iconic balloon ride was not in fact a part of Around the World in Eighty Days (but it is in the movie renditions), I was delighted by most everything else in the novel. Of Verne’s adventure books I have read, this, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, is my favourite.
There are a few simple reasons why. One, Verne does away with his favoured scientist cast and instead employs a cast of notably ordinary characters. Without the scientific bent, the novel’s narrative is light, lively, and easy to read. The action breezes by, and the characters are carried along with it with little time to pontificate.
Two, the true protagonist and hero of the story is not the man who the story is about and who has a stake in its outcome, but rather that man’s sidekick—who is along for the ride. The sidekick’s worries, conflicts, and overflowing emotions, which are all a result of his tagging along and which contrast with the protagonist’s calm demeanour, draw sympathy and encouragement. Even though the protagonist and his sidekick are on the same team, I felt as if I were rooting for the underdog.
Third, the novel is entertaining. Verne injects enough humour, unpredictability, action, and suspense into the story to vary its pace and feel, and to keep me intrigued and engaged.
The one criticism I have about the book is that a handful of plot points are resolved in too easy and quick a fashion. The end of the journey jumps upon the reader and Verne rushes to resolve some loose ends. More lengthy resolutions would have prevented me from balking in disbelief.
Otherwise, I would make the trip around the world again.