Journey To The Centre Of The Earth
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth by Jules Verne
Obviously Journey to the Centre of the Earth is an absolute classic, but what’s even more impressive is that I think it’s still a really good read now. It’s a riveting story with a great sense of adventure and likeable characters with a lot more witty humour than you’d imagine from a book that’s over one-hundred and sixty years old. Some classics feel dated by their very nature, the world and literature has changed, but I don’t think this is one of them. It’s actually a relatively simple read for the most part, therefore something that can still be enjoyed rather than a classic lost to time.
The book follows the story of Professor Liedenbrock, his nephew Axel, and their Icelandic guide Hans as they investigate the possibility of being able to venture to the centre of the Earth after discovering an opening in the planet’s surface. During their Journey to the centre of the Earth they come across all kinds of weird and wonderful sights that could rewrite the history of the planet.
The story is an adventure story at heart with a simple but vastly enjoyable structure. I love these type of road movie stories. Just a small group travelling and stumbling upon problem after problem or experience after experience. And what an experience their journey is from underground rivers to monsters of the past and sub-terrain jungles. Jules Verne had an absolutely wild imagination for someone born a couple of hundred years ago. (Need to read some more of his work)
I really liked the dynamic of the characters too. What’s around the next corner was always what made me read the next chapter when I thought I was done reading for the night, but I enjoyed the characters interactions just as much. Axel’s doubt and fleeting excitement for the impossible and dangerous journey. The Professors determination and conviction. Han’s being the quiet stoic guide who is just amazing at everything but doesn’t appear to have an opinion about anything. Just pay him every Saturday as promised. Love it.
Some times older books can be a difficult read no matter how well you know the story through modern interpretations, but this isn’t one of them, at least the unabridged Wordsworth Classic translation that I read wasn’t. Sure there was some old timey language and the book rattled off some details a little detailed, but not often. I thought it went at a great pace, helped by the short chapters and adventurous nature.
It’s an influential and famous book for a good reason. It really is a great story with a fantastically structured template. It’s easy to follow, funny, and has great characters. The adventure is impossible, but I love that kind of sci-fi when imagination rules over hard science. While not indulge in some fantasy and wish fulfilment. It’s an amazing piece of work, and one that will no doubt endure even longer than it already has. Everyone should give this book a read at some point.
