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jennyoo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
zoe_1701's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
goosie's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a very big place in my heart. I read this when I was in my teens and I loved it. I now reread it at the age of 21 where since I have obtained a background in the biological sciences and can now classify myself as a naturalist (ecologist) much like the Professor. I absolutely adore the humour in this book. I love the dynamics between Ned Land and the Professor who see the world from two very different points of view, much like a lot of society. Not to mention then you through Captain Nemo into the mix, who has a completely different view on society in comparison to the other two characters.
csetters's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
siesiss's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A well aged work, rightfully considered one of the first milestones in science fiction. Except for some parts that were way too heavy in listing and describing the marine biota, I found this book to be very enjoyable, especially because of its great characters and ending.
nancyadelman's review against another edition
4.0
Aronnax, a professor of marine biology, and his aide, Conseil are on board a ship investigating claims of an incredibly long and fast whale. Also on board is a Canadian whale hunter, Ned Land. When the ship that they are on actually encounters the "whale," they are swept overboard and rescued by the Nautilus, an incredible submarine well ahead of it's peers. Captain Nemo pilots the submarine and keeps the professor, Conseil, and Ned and takes them on an around the world voyage under the oceans. There they discover underwater forests, giant pearls, giant squid, and polar ice among other natural wonders.
I have been meaning to read this book for some time. I found the story itself to be compelling reading, though the plot is hopelessly mired in incessant descriptions of the various occupants of the oceans. If all of the fish and wildlife in the oceans were removed from this book, leaving only the plot, this book would be considerably shorter. The plot was interesting but moved along at a somewhat plodding pace. There were a lot of unresolved questions that I had about this book, such as why Captain Nemo is holding them hostage. The characters are sympathetic and believable. There is some minor use of alcohol, and a bit of violence. I am giving this book four stars for a good story buried under way too many descriptions of fish, plants, and seashells.
I have been meaning to read this book for some time. I found the story itself to be compelling reading, though the plot is hopelessly mired in incessant descriptions of the various occupants of the oceans. If all of the fish and wildlife in the oceans were removed from this book, leaving only the plot, this book would be considerably shorter. The plot was interesting but moved along at a somewhat plodding pace. There were a lot of unresolved questions that I had about this book, such as why Captain Nemo is holding them hostage. The characters are sympathetic and believable. There is some minor use of alcohol, and a bit of violence. I am giving this book four stars for a good story buried under way too many descriptions of fish, plants, and seashells.
hjb_128's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Confinement
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Colonisation
jojo1987's review against another edition
adventurous
3.25
I wish there was more information about Captain Nemo and less information about the animals in the sea.
It's a good story but I didn't need to know how many metres a room in the submarine is, or the scientific name, class etc for most ocean creatures mentioned. Or the many different fish Arronax identifies that takes up a lengthy paragraph.
It's a good story but I didn't need to know how many metres a room in the submarine is, or the scientific name, class etc for most ocean creatures mentioned. Or the many different fish Arronax identifies that takes up a lengthy paragraph.
will_cherico's review against another edition
5.0
I love 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. It's one of the perfect adventure stories, an amazing blend of scientific discovery and exploration that's fascinated me since I was a kid. Pierre Aronnax was a protagonist unlike many I had read before, physically unremarkable but with a mind and sense of wonder that drives him throughout the story. His friendship with Conseil and Ned Land is such a healthy depiction of male friendship (and perhaps romantic love? Who's to say) that authors still struggle to replicate today. The episodic format of the story means that Jules Verne was able to jump from one part of the ocean to another, embracing each part of the ocean he finds himself interested in. From the South Pole to the lost city of Atlantis to just looking at a remarkable school of cuttlefish, each discovery feels just as grand and breathtaking as the last.
And how can I talk about 20,000 Leagues without talking about Captain Nemo? He's one of my favorite archetypes in literature: the vengeful, hyper-intelligent, misanthrope with just enough hints at his tragic past to make him sympathetic and captivating. His directionless wrath against the imperialist nations that have caused him such grief is such a core emotional part of the story, and while he doesn't seem like much at first Jules Verne knows how to drip-feed us just the right amount of Nemo to keep us loving and intimidated by him.
This book is incredible. Mobilis in mobili.
And how can I talk about 20,000 Leagues without talking about Captain Nemo? He's one of my favorite archetypes in literature: the vengeful, hyper-intelligent, misanthrope with just enough hints at his tragic past to make him sympathetic and captivating. His directionless wrath against the imperialist nations that have caused him such grief is such a core emotional part of the story, and while he doesn't seem like much at first Jules Verne knows how to drip-feed us just the right amount of Nemo to keep us loving and intimidated by him.
This book is incredible. Mobilis in mobili.