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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is sold as a must-read classic by many, but I have to admit I don't get it. I'm sure it is partly down to timing. If I'd read this when it first came out, I'm sure it would have been groundbreaking, but in a modern light, it is just an interesting novelty. I mean, you can see that the book was well-researched, I learned a lot of longitudes and latitudes as well as exotic names for sea creatures, but that isn't why I read the book. I wanted less, 'on this day I went here and saw this type of creature' and more action, adventure or thrilling dialogue.
Unfortunately, that is in short supply and even the most exciting sections the action quickly gives way, or the mystery is brushed over so we can go back to cataloguing coral from the submarine.
That isn't even the main issue with the book. The main issue is the lack of any discernable character development. All the characters are exactly the same at the end of the book as at the start, no one changes, no one learns anything, it is just some guys who some tings happen to and then the book ends.
Don't get me wrong; there are things to enjoy. The Nautilus is amazing and some of the adventures that happen are interesting and well-written but without interesting characters it's all a bit pointless isn't it?
Unfortunately, that is in short supply and even the most exciting sections the action quickly gives way, or the mystery is brushed over so we can go back to cataloguing coral from the submarine.
That isn't even the main issue with the book. The main issue is the lack of any discernable character development. All the characters are exactly the same at the end of the book as at the start, no one changes, no one learns anything, it is just some guys who some tings happen to and then the book ends.
Don't get me wrong; there are things to enjoy. The Nautilus is amazing and some of the adventures that happen are interesting and well-written but without interesting characters it's all a bit pointless isn't it?
Great to go on an adventure through this lovely book while the pandemic keeps us at home.
Near the end I got fatigued by the endless marine life descriptions and bearing notes, but all in all it was an enjoyable book.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
I’ve been reading this book to my son for months and it was fun at first but now he just spends pages and pages listing species of fish and I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE
adventurous
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For a book from its time, definitely 4 stars. I can't speak of Verne's writing style as I read a translation, but his creativity and sense of adventure are marvels I encourageyou to discover. For those looking for an adventure story full of natural wonders and human dilemmas, give this shot.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Racism
Abandoned
I got 1/3 through. I tried listereading it but found myself zoning out and not really paying attention. Eventually I figured out that perhaps I was bored with the story. Man. I really wanted to like it. There are so many books out there considered classics and beloved that I don't like so I wanted to at least like this one. No go. It's not bad, it's just apparently not for me. I was interested at first but, for me, Verne spent too much time describing and there wasn't enough story to support it. What is impressive about the story is Verne's forward thinking. He was ahead of his time for sure. But alas, that couldn't hold my attention.
I got 1/3 through. I tried listereading it but found myself zoning out and not really paying attention. Eventually I figured out that perhaps I was bored with the story. Man. I really wanted to like it. There are so many books out there considered classics and beloved that I don't like so I wanted to at least like this one. No go. It's not bad, it's just apparently not for me. I was interested at first but, for me, Verne spent too much time describing and there wasn't enough story to support it. What is impressive about the story is Verne's forward thinking. He was ahead of his time for sure. But alas, that couldn't hold my attention.