20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

A mysterious sea monster has been creating havoc in the ocean. Ships of all shapes and sizes, as well as humans, have been destroyed by this enigma! No corner of the Earth has been spared from its terror, as it continues to kill all who cross its path. In reaction to this destructive force, the US Government wastes no time in sending out a team of experienced professionals to track down and destroy it. Professor Pierre Aronnax, a marine biologist; Conseil, his faithful assistant; and Ned Land, a Canadian master harpooner, come together in an epic hunt. On board a naval ship, the Abraham Lincoln, the three men set out to track down this terrifying beast of the ocean. But, will they succeed? And what will they discover if they do? Published in 1870, originally in French, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a classic example of the imagination and foresight of Jules Verne. His pioneering approach to writing in the late 19th century led many to refer to him as the father of science fiction.

I was debating either 2 stars or 3 stars, but ended up with 3 just for the sheer “classic” reputation. I didn't really expect much out of the book, considering that I'm reading it more than a century late. Obviously, things readers would find fascinating back then is probably already on its way out. But I figured that given its status, I felt it deserves a read.

The story wasn't what I expected. It actually has more akin to Moby Dick than to Journey to the Centre of the Earth. I thought it was a grand adventure, but apparently, it's more like a grand narrative. I've read that parts of the story was lost or cut in translation to English, so perhaps I'm missing something.

Large parts of the book was devoted to long paragraphs of species and animal descriptions. I actually read the first few and later on, I just skimmed them over. Never heard of those creatures; and didn't really care to know.

There are bits of the story that were entertaining to read, especially the interactions with Captain Nemo and when they step out into the ocean floor. Characterisation was strong and the dialogue often interesting to read (despite the diction being quite dated).

I didn't like how the story ended though. I found the last chapter to be very sudden and very “convenient”. There's no explanation whatsoever and the whole thing feels very tacked-on, as if the author had no idea how to end the story and just brushed past it.

I wouldn't recommend it to anybody unless they're interesting in reading classics for the sake of it. Couldn't say I enjoyed it, but it wasn't un-enjoyable either.

Reading the comic version was a kind of cheat, but I do want to mix up my reading. I already had this one, so decided not to make another purchase. Story is nice, pure fiction, of course, but made almost believable. Comic version also helped to make it an instant read. The characters are so old-worldly, it's almost funny. Want to read the full version someday.