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betweenstories 's review for:
In 80 Tagen um die Welt
by Jules Verne
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a slog. I picked this up hoping for adventure, but instead I got a dated, arrogant mess. The only moments that sparked even a flicker of interest were the occasional historical references (like Formosa), but those were rare. Everything else was weighed down by outdated attitudes and a smug tone. The way women are portrayed is flat-out insulting, and the constant English superiority complex made the characters feel more ridiculous than admirable.
The plot, while supposedly adventurous, felt unnecessary and dragged on. I found myself asking why I was even reading it — the story had no real emotional depth, just a series of shallow episodes strung together.
I can see how in the 19th century it might have dazzled readers, but today it just feels irrelevant. People still call this a classic, but I honestly think that’s nostalgia more than quality. For me, it was boring, condescending, and a complete waste of time. I’ve realized I just don’t enjoy old books — they’re more punishment than pleasure.