Journey to the Center of the Earth

I listened to the audiobook version of this narrated by Simon Prebble.

When reading/listening to an older book, I find it imperative to think like the people of that day and age. Journey to the Center of the Earth was originally written in the mid 1800s. (for American audiences, this is around the same time as the American Civil War). No cell phones, no internet, no air planes, no cars. The brave went on adventures, the majority of people didn't travel farther than their own town, or surrounding towns.

Much of what Jules Verne writes about sounds ridiculous to modern audiences. We know that most of what he writes about is impossible. He fills the book with facts that are passible to readers of the 1800s. Everything has an explanation, which makes the story seem more realistic. If I were to have read this back then, I'd have given the book 4.5 - 5 stars. There were some slower parts, but for the most part, it was a fast paced, heart pounding adventure. (this could also be due to Simon Prebble's fantastic narration). Regardless of its age, it is still an exciting read, and an enjoyable adventure book. Simon Prebble did a fantastic job narrating this story, and I look forward to listening to him again. I am also curious and excited to read the rest of Jules Verne's Extraordinary Voyages series.