Review of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Overview: The year is 1866. The maritime world is gripped by fear after reported sightings of a huge and terrible sea monster. Monsieur Arannax, a distinguished Professor of Natural History, pronounces the creature to be a giant narwhal and is invited to join an official expedition to track down the beast. But Professor Aronnax is proved wrong: the beast is not of the natural world, but is a huge submarine. When he is pulled out of the sea by the enigmatic Captain Nemo, and imprisoned on the Nautilus, he experiences at first hand the marvels and perils of submarine life.
Pages: 172 Pages
Writer: Jules Verne
Recommendations: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
This masterpiece is a true gem in the world of literature. It may very well be one of the earliest works of science fiction, paving the way for all the mind-bending tales that followed. The story follows Aronnax, a brave soul investigating mysterious disappearances at sea. Imagine his shock when he discovers that the culprit is not some mythical sea monster, but a colossal metal submarine capable of uncovering secrets unseen by mortal eyes.
As Aronnax embarks on a series of thrilling adventures, not everyone on board shares his enthusiasm. Captain Nemo, the enigmatic leader of the submarine, is not exactly the warmest host. His hidden motives add an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating plot.
Despite its undeniable charm, this classic sci-fi tale does show its age. We no longer weave together a tapestry of mini-stories to create a larger narrative like this. While I appreciate the vintage feel of the work, there were moments when my attention wavered. It’s a rollercoaster of a read, with highs that keep you glued to the pages and lows that make it hard to resist taking a break.