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A review by paige87
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
3.0
The title and premise of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” alludes to an amazing adventure. And while the adventures were many, the story is laden with technical jargon. Though I understand the appeal for many, it is not my ideal form of story telling.
I would have liked to learn more about the crew that served with Captain Nemo. The individual men and their reasons for joining the excursion. That may have given our story more depth. However, it seems the majority of the book was caught up in the scientific aspects rather than character development.
As well, knowing our heroes were
The story shows its age in aspects like the hunt and easy disposal of various animals. And it was very important for Captain Nemo to find an underwater alternative for tobacco, so that he could continue to smoke. I can’t bring myself to mind too much though, as it was appropriate for the time the book was written.
I can’t say I disliked the book, but it was quite different than I expected. At least I knew in advance that the 20,000 Leagues was NOT the depth they travelled, but the distance!
I know this entire book would have been written differently now, but I can’t begrudge the way the story was told. It shows incredible insight into the technology of the day, and the burgeoning technology of their not so distant future. So, although it wasn’t my style, I can definitely appreciate Verne’s vision and insight.
PS - I may need to learn French, if only to read this in the original translation! I've heard it flows better.
I would have liked to learn more about the crew that served with Captain Nemo. The individual men and their reasons for joining the excursion. That may have given our story more depth. However, it seems the majority of the book was caught up in the scientific aspects rather than character development.
As well, knowing our heroes were
Spoiler
not willing participants in this voyage made it hard to enjoy their adventures. I hoped instead for their escape. M. Aronnax seems to ignore his imprisonment altogether until it becomes obvious that the Captain has a vendetta. Conseil… well, let’s just say his character was incredibly under developed. I feel Ned Land was the only character with the right reaction to being imprisoned in an underwater vessel against one’s will.The story shows its age in aspects like the hunt and easy disposal of various animals. And it was very important for Captain Nemo to find an underwater alternative for tobacco, so that he could continue to smoke. I can’t bring myself to mind too much though, as it was appropriate for the time the book was written.
I can’t say I disliked the book, but it was quite different than I expected. At least I knew in advance that the 20,000 Leagues was NOT the depth they travelled, but the distance!
I know this entire book would have been written differently now, but I can’t begrudge the way the story was told. It shows incredible insight into the technology of the day, and the burgeoning technology of their not so distant future. So, although it wasn’t my style, I can definitely appreciate Verne’s vision and insight.
PS - I may need to learn French, if only to read this in the original translation! I've heard it flows better.