A review by mattiemouse514
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and other Classic Novels by Jules Verne

adventurous challenging informative mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Hmm. I didn’t find that I hated the novel as much as I felt exhausted by the blandness of it. In theory it was an interesting plot, however it was immensely dull and predictable. I am glad to have read it in the way that one is glad to have a read a classic for the ability to understand references of it in other literature. I also acknowledge that for it to have been written in 1870, it’s ahead of its time and I can appreciate its influence on modern science fiction, and felt kind of reminiscent of an ancient and incredibly dull version of Andy Weir. I simply wished for more character development. Nemo was by far the most interesting and perhaps complex character and there was zero attempt to dive into that (hehe pun intended), and that felt like a largely missed opportunity. Also at any point in time, could they not have thrown Ned Land off into the sea to be eaten by a whale? Good lord. Obnoxious man. 

Also, and this is totally just commentary based on my personal preferences, but I really missed a female voice in the story. Having strictly male characters was a bit.. monotonous. Understandably this is an almost 150 year old piece of literature, and as such, it cannot be expected.. but. Still left it feeling lackluster.