The reason I wanted to read this novel is actually because of another novel.. All The Light We Cannot See.
In this novel the blind girl, Marie-Laure, has been given a copy of this novel in braille and it accompanies her when they set out to St-Malo. It's a peculiar underlying theme given to this novel, that I couldn't wait to read it myself as certain parts have been quoted in Anthony Doerr's novel.
And Fun Fact!! St-Malo is even mentioned, though briefely, in Twenty Thousand Leagues under The Sea. I wonder of Doerr chose St-Malo because of this, since he seems to have a profound respect for this novel.
Jules Verne is well known, at least if you like to read. His novels have always been regarded as science fiction, but the kind that brushes so closely with today's scientific accomplishments, much like Arthur C. Clarke's A Space Oddysey. Many of Verne's novels have been adapted for the big screen.. for instance 'Around The World In 80 Days'.
I can imagine that when he was still alive and writing his novels were awaited for, he probably was a contemporary George R.R. Martin ^^
I haven't read much of his novels, they haven't sparked my interest as much as you'd think they would, especially since I do like science fiction and fantasy.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea was, to say the least, difficult to get through. It's one of his more known novels, and as it's a common misconceptions.. it's not 20 000 leagues downwards, but traveled through, in a submarine.
The story revolves around 4 characters: Pierre Arronax, Ned Land, Conseil and Captain Nemo.
Arronax, Ned Land and Conseil have been on the hunt for a terrible sea creatures terrorizing the oceans, which ultimately turns out to be the submarine of Captain Nemo, a recluse who has sought the hidden depths of the oceans to escape a past that is only alluded to in vengeful fits and a awful vindictive decision.
As the three protagonists are being held prisoner on board the Nautilus, the submarine, Professor Arronax uses this time to perfect his zoological studies and observations. Wherein Ned and Conseil have a harder time being cooped up, not being able to mingle with others anymore.
The story is actually written down by Pierre Arronax where he gives a recollection of his time aboard the Nautilus, so you know they eventually get off.
It's a series of extraordinary events and a detailed study of maritime life.
Especially the latter was tiresome to say the least. For one, I'm not a biology major so many of his notes were beyond me and it didn't help that he didn't use everyday vocabulary for the things I do know.
I stuck with it though, because I was interested in how it would proceed. It just took me quite a while.
And while it might be interesting for someone who's got a passion for maritime life, I felt that this novel would've been better when cut down a bit, but I guess that's the atmosphere Verne wanted to create. The professor who's content with living in seclusion and finishing his work, while his two companions who don't share this pastime, try to find a way off this submarine.
In that he succeeded very well, but I wanted that he could've find a way to included some insight into Ned Land of Conseil's thoughts.
His depiction of Captain Nemo is wonderful though, how more mysterious can he be?
