"Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is awaitin' for me." Song lyrics

Aug 29, 2012

by mikedraper
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

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Rating:

In 1866, there are a number of sightings of an unexplained object in the ocean. Some of these sightings are far apart from one another. When no other explanation is given, some think that this might be some kind of a sea monster.

An expedition is formed with the U.S. Naval frigate Abraham Lincoln, under Captain Farragut. They are firm in their resolve to find this monster.

Professor Pierre Aronnax of the Museum of Paris had written articles about this phenomenon of a sea creature and he is asked to join the expedition, along with his man, Conseil and harpooner, Ned Land.

After being at sea and searching for this monster, there is a sighting, a boat is lowered with Ned and his harpoon, also with Pierre and Conseil. Ned tries to harpoon the object but their boat is overturned and in the swirling sea, the men are picked up by the submarine, the Nautilus, under Captain Nemo.

They are held in gentle captivity as the Nautilus travels the world-mostly under the sea except when they come up for air or to resupply. Nemo gives constant readings as to where the boat is and Pierre tells the reader some facts such as when they come upon a sunken ship that had riches in it.

The style of writing is dry and without much emotional comment. I found the writing to be so different from today that it was challenging to get into the story.

In addition, there are important innovations that Jules Verne had of this day, such as deep sea diving equipment. However, when the submarine is said to go 20,000 under the sea, this is more than the circumference of the world.

I found the style of interest in seeing where literature and adventure fiction has come from in the last one hundred years.

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JSMaresca August 29, 2012

Interesting themes!

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About the reviewer

Mike Draper (mikedraper)

Michael A.Draper is a financial planner with Mass Mutual in North Haven, CT. Married to Diana for 46 years, one son and daughter-in-law and two lovely granddaughters. … more