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beelzebean 's review for:
Around the World in Eighty Days
by Jules Verne
I had a difficult time rating this one.
TL;DR -Yes, the book was fun and held my attention, but the constant praise of colonialism and the poor portrayal of non-Western cultures was a bit much for me. It also lacked the science and technology that I loved so much in 20,000 Leagues, Center of The Earth, and Mysterious Island.
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Criticisms:
While reading any Verne novel (well, actually most books written during this time), one must consider the context of that time period. It's expected that most racial and cultural ideas will be outdated.
So, while I was not surprised, I will say that the constant glorifying of colonialism and stereotypes were a little much for me at times. This book is basically a love letter to British colonialism. Yes, every Verne novel has horrible ideas about race, indicative of the time period, but Around the World takes the cake.
It was also a little annoying how the female character was portrayed and barely mentioned. But at least he actually included a female this time, I guess.
Things I did like about the book:
This is my 4th Jules Verne novel. I keep reading more titles because I'm enticed by his ability to spark my imagination with a sense of adventure. Around the World was well written, even if some might feel it lacks in character development.
I loved getting a peek into the time period, imagining what it might have been like to travel the world back then. Anticipating their next adventure was fun.
Also, as a non-Mormon Utahn, I was wildly amused by the chapter on Utah and loved reading about my city... even though it wasn't favorable.
Overall, this book ranks last in the Jules Verne books I have read.
TL;DR -Yes, the book was fun and held my attention, but the constant praise of colonialism and the poor portrayal of non-Western cultures was a bit much for me. It also lacked the science and technology that I loved so much in 20,000 Leagues, Center of The Earth, and Mysterious Island.
______________________________________
Criticisms:
While reading any Verne novel (well, actually most books written during this time), one must consider the context of that time period. It's expected that most racial and cultural ideas will be outdated.
So, while I was not surprised, I will say that the constant glorifying of colonialism and stereotypes were a little much for me at times. This book is basically a love letter to British colonialism. Yes, every Verne novel has horrible ideas about race, indicative of the time period, but Around the World takes the cake.
It was also a little annoying how the female character was portrayed and barely mentioned. But at least he actually included a female this time, I guess.
Things I did like about the book:
This is my 4th Jules Verne novel. I keep reading more titles because I'm enticed by his ability to spark my imagination with a sense of adventure. Around the World was well written, even if some might feel it lacks in character development.
I loved getting a peek into the time period, imagining what it might have been like to travel the world back then. Anticipating their next adventure was fun.
Also, as a non-Mormon Utahn, I was wildly amused by the chapter on Utah and loved reading about my city... even though it wasn't favorable.
Overall, this book ranks last in the Jules Verne books I have read.