Around the World in Eighty Days

I ordered this book following my local Readers Cafe meeting at my local library. The subject was Geography and I chose to compare Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin's version. I thought I had my own copy of the Jules Verne classic but could not find it. Fortunately, I could borrow a copy from the library for the meeting, but afterwards I still couldn't find it, so I ordered a Kindle version instead.

Review courtesy of subtleillumination.comAround the World in 80 Days isn’t actually science fiction: the whole point was that it was a journey that was at least theoretically possible at the time. If anything, it is a study of the British Empire at the time, with memorable comments on all the colonies and areas they pass through as well as on British attitudes about each. My favourite, I think, occurs when they are about to be attacked by bandits while on the train across America, where the comment is made that ‘it may be taken for granted that, rash as the Americans usually are, when they are prudent there is a good reason for it.’Science fiction is often portrayed as boys’ novels, targeted to those who don’t read real fiction. This, I think, is unfair. Science fiction often neglects the sort of character development found in Dickens, true. But in return it allows for a clear focus on a single aspect of society, distilled by its removal from impurities and complicating elements that pervade our own societies. As a result, it often has profound things to say about the world we live in, as well as the worlds we might aspire to see happen, whether that’s about the future of robotics and by extension lesser beings in Asimov, or the nature of globalization in Verne. They can also inspire, as 80 Days does, by evoking a passion for adventure and a desire to see new things.The classic picture of Phineas Fogg in a balloon is, unfortunately, false: they don’t use a balloon at all in the story. Often ignored is also the fact that he finds love on the adventure: rather than being a celebration of the modern world and consumption, in the end, Fogg is left with the classic reward of all such tales: true love, and happiness ever after.PS – Interesting fact for West Wing (and Nellie Bly) fans: Nellie Bly did the trip herself as a homage for her newspaper, meeting up with Verne in Amiens after 72 days. Michael Palin of Monty Python fame refused to use aircraft, and managed it in 79 days and 7 hours, slightly longer than Fogg.

This is the second Verne book I have devoured in two days which have both been accredited five stars. I could end the review at that and I would be content!Similar to The Journey to the Centre of the Earth which I read yesterday - Verne creates amazingly awesome and complex characters. The main protagonist Mr. Fogg is an obsessive compulsive routine loving time keeper who bets his chums at the club that he can travel around the world in 80 days, which a newspaper said was possible - if no delays were incurred. He is so deep though, so much is beneath the surface of this quiet, content gent. Never fearing or worrying whatever dilemmas are thrown in his path and always willing to fail the mission to help his friends. He is also very good at handling a boat. I have to ask - does anyone know if he has been in any of Verne's previous stories at it seems like he has an amazing past. If he hasn't been present and that is just what is built up by the writing in this book I am speechless.His trusty French manservant is amazing too - Not for a long time have two characters been so three dimensional and have I truly cared about them so much in 200 or so pages. This dude is clever, he worries like he is always ruining the plan but he is very loyal, apt gymnast and sometimes lifesaver.Other characters Fix (a stalking policeman) and Aouda (a rescued Indian damsel) are amazingly created colourful characters too.I don't want to say too much of the story but it takes places all over the world. London, China, India, Japan, HK, America, Liverpool amongst others. Full of amazing set pieces that whilst being gripping always bring a smile to your face. Travelling on an elephant to rescue a lady due to be burnt to the death, fighting bandits on railway lines in the US are just a couple of these many amazing incidents. I was expecting a scene with a hot air balloon which I see in all the film version advertisments which (spoiler) is not in the book.I do think that later I am going to watch the Steve Coogan /Jackie Chan version of this to see how it compares.Love as always. James x[...]

I read this quickly and enjoyed. An easy read!

This adventure story is now very dated, especially when it comes to race, colour and class (and language). It also it partly a travel guide with long descriptive passages on landscapes etc. This makes it an interesting historic read, with a gripping story at its core. The new BBC version is so far removed from this that I am amazed they used the same title.

I really enjoyed this book it was very descriptive and imaginative. An absolute joy to read for my first book this year

Very much enjoyed reading this

Engaging story that is an easy read. Historical account of what the world was like in the mind of a 19th century author. Probably more accurate than my perception, based only on movies.I will read more of Jules Verne.