The Mysterious Island (International Collectors Library)

If ever there was a title that lived up to its name, it's this book's title. Jules Verne, who I am now convinced is a consummate storyteller, weaves a tale that is so fascinating and readable that I constantly found myself musing over its contents even when I wasn't reading. My only other acquaintance with Jules Verne's writings was with "Around the World in Eighty Days," which surprised me by how entertaining it was. I went into "The Mysterious Island" a little more prepared, but Mr. Verne still managed to throw me off guard. This is a great read for two reasons. First, it is an incredibly fascinating account of survival. Not just in the same vein as "Robinson Crusoe," and "The Swiss Family Robinson" (which Verne deftly acknowledges in the story itself), though in many ways it is very similar to those accounts, but it takes a whole new approach, which raises the castaway situation from, not just survival, but civilization making. I suppose, if you are not much interested in how tools are made, how things are manufactured, the rudiments of civilization itself, the book might seem to drag for you and might even seem to be taken from the pages of a textbook. I, for one, even though I am the farthest thing from a scientist, delighted in this instructional storytelling. Everything seemed possible, the ingenuity of man's mind was glorified, obstacles of nature were surmounted with the cleverest tricks. If ever I were to be a castaway, this book would be a must have. Even though the narrative did take an instructional tone at times, and I did slow down my reading, I never did dislike it. I always came back to the book with enthusiasm. And, I must add, Verne did an incredible job of making some of the most, seemingly mundane things spellbinding. One scene, where the castaways are attempting to light a fire with the one match that they have was absolutely gripping, my palms were nearly sweating. I will never light a match frivolously again (I know that's a lie, but it sure felt that way when I was reading). That was one reason that I loved the book. If that were the only aspect of the story, I would have walked away loving it. But Verne doesn't stop there. He also approaches a completely different angle of storytelling, and this is where the "mystery" in the title comes into play. Boy, is he subtle. Man, does Verne play his cards just right when he introduces the mystery of the island. Some strange things occur, but they aren't completely out of the ordinary; they are possibly explained; they are quickly forgotten. But then something else happens, he drops some other subtle hints here and there. He lays it on so smoothly, that it isn't until half way through the novel that you realize that there is something else entirely going on here. Some strange, inexplicable presence. Something that, surprisingly, you realize is integral to the plot (even though you knew from the title that would be the case, Verne lures you into forgetting it). Once the mystery fin

I love the work of Jules Verne, and this is by far his best work. The island is really a symbol for the world, and how we could make use with it and still live in harmony with it. This translation (Signet Classic version) was very readable, and I believe that it was not edited in any way, but I can't find that anywhere on the book itself. I only mention this, because some Jules Verne novels are shamelessly cut apart, and censor the reading before the reader even has a chance to judge. The introduction and afterword are negligible. The characters are great, and even though they may be a little unbelievable by today's standards, the whole point of the novel is about what GREAT men can do even with nothing to start with. A MUST read after 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (be especially careful which version of that book you get)

This is a fantastic book with enough adventure to keep you reading all night long! Jules has out done himself with this marvelous novel. It has great description and explanations for every flip of the page. I would recomend this book to anyone who is looking for a book filled with rich adventure and loving characters. Overall, this book deserves the 5 stars I gave it(maybe even 6!) and anyone who doesn't agree with me is out of their minds! AWESOME BOOK

Verne has done it again! Another action packed interesting book about exploring a comet in outer space. I couldnt put it down!

I'm 14 and just recently checked this out at the library. I assure you I'm not that avid of a reader. But this copy being 500 pages long, I wouldn't put it down since page 335. The book is about 5 Civil War prisoners in Richmond. The escape in a balloon and find themselves stranded on this island. Adventure, wonder, tragedy, and humor ensue. Unfortunately I couldn't imagine out a map, but Verne's descriptions were beautiful, and very imaginative. This is also a very character-driven book. You could even love Top, their dog. It hooked me on as well. I felt very satisfied when they established Granite House, I smiled when Pencroft was presented a cigar, almost cried when Herbert was shot, and did cry for a few seconds when Nemo ... and one of Verne's other beautiful creations, the Nautilus, an alter-ego of Nemo ... below. Words can't describe how good this book it is, and I reccomend it to everyone.