Reviews

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

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odin45mp's review against another edition

I grew up watching every kids PBS adaptation of this that aired in the late 80s and early 90s, but I had never actually read it myself.

This was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. The perspective of 1870s racism and British Imperialism is painful at times, but once I set aside my revulsion there are a series of entertaining vignettes here. That is another thing - this was originally serialized, and that shows in the short chapter length and largely self-contained episodes. While each chapter moves the story forward, most chapters end on a clear "cut to credits" if we were watching a TV show, with a handful of "To Be Continued" The serialized nature forced artificial chapter length constraints that I think hurt some of the stories that were being told.

Worth a read, and I might pick it up again someday.

isjones's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

classical_learner's review against another edition

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adventurous informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Forgot how good this story was! Brought back memories of reading it with my father and siblings.

sade's review against another edition

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5.0

After reading this amazing book, it really irks me that i watched the movie and actually considered it good. Passepartout was actually Jackie Chan. ugh!!! the horror!
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Anyways movie grouch aside, this book was amazing. You have have Mr. Fogg who i have to say has to be the most level headed person in the whole world and his rather passionate servant passepartout who is looking for a bit of calm after leading a rather exciting life, he thinks he's found it in Mr Fogg who is very mathematical about everything, (like dude has everything planned to a T), and that's when Mr Fogg takes a bet to go round the world in 80 days. What you have next are the adventures that follow Passepartout and Mr. Fogg and they were rather grand ones.

i also enjoyed how Jules Verne tries to show you the different cultures of the places visited although since for the most part you see this through mostly Passepartout's POV your're sometimes treated to his myopic views.

Either way, this book does not dissappoint and if all you have to go on this book is the rather disgraceful portrayal by hollywood, do yourself a favour and read the real thing.