Book Review of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The Children’s Book Review
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Written by Jules Verne
Ages: 11+ | 394 Pages
Publisher: Sterling | ISBN-13: 978-1954839113
What to Expect: Adventure, Animals, Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, and Nature
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea delivers a thrilling underwater adventure that blends cutting-edge science with exploration, revenge, and wonder—a visionary tale that continues to captivate readers since its publication over 140 years ago.
In this groundbreaking novel, Professor Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt a mysterious sea creature reportedly attacking ships worldwide. When their vessel is struck, Aronnax, his loyal servant Conseil, and the rugged harpooner Ned Land find themselves prisoners aboard the Nautilus—an advanced submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. As unwilling guests, they embark on a global underwater odyssey, encountering shipwrecks, battling giant squid, and navigating treacherous polar waters, all while Nemo pursues his secretive agenda of vengeance. Throughout their journey, Verne meticulously details marine biology, oceanography, and the technological wonders of the submarine itself.
Verne’s remarkable foresight shines throughout this pioneering work of science fiction. Written decades before practical submarines were developed, his detailed descriptions of underwater travel and electric power demonstrate why he’s considered one of literature’s great visionaries. While the scientific classifications and explanations can occasionally slow the narrative pace, these same elements give the adventure its distinctive educational value and historical significance. The complex relationship between the brilliant but tormented Nemo and his captives adds psychological depth to what might otherwise be simply an adventure tale.
This classic will especially delight readers who appreciate scientific detail alongside adventure and those who enjoy thought-provoking explorations of how technology can both liberate and isolate. Though more challenging than many adventure novels, the persistent reader will be rewarded with a revolutionary journey that helped define science fiction as we know it today.
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About the Author
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French author best known for his tales of adventure, including Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days. A true visionary, Verne foresaw the skyscraper, the submarine, and the airplane, among many other inventions, and is now regarded as one of the fathers of science fiction.
What to Read Next if You Love 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The City of Ember: The First Book of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Bianca Schulze reviewed 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Discover more books like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Adventure, Animals, Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, and Nature.
