Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

by Jules Verne
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Adventure
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  • ID: 2579
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780141394947
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2017-04-27
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 3

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a classic adventure novel that masterfully combines thrilling escapades with scientific accuracy and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The story begins when a mysterious black object is sighted in the ocean, causing global panic. Professor Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt down the creature, only to discover it is a giant submarine, the Nautilus. Captured by its reclusive captain, Nemo, Aronnax and his companions are forced to journey through the depths of the ocean, encountering wonders and dangers alike. The novel is not just an adventure but also an eerie exploration of isolation and madness, with Captain Nemo as a compellingly Byronic central character. Translated with an introduction and notes by David Coward, this edition brings to life Jules Verne's enduringly popular tale, offering readers a glimpse into the marvels and mysteries of the underwater world.

Reviews
The Independent · 2023-08-26
timeless 5.00

The book is a timeless classic that offers unfailing pleasure and interest with each reading. It is praised for its thrilling adventure and compelling central character.

The Independent's reviewer considers Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea a timeless classic that they have read and re-read with great pleasure. The book's thrilling adventure and compelling central character, Captain Nemo, are highlighted as key strengths. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to captivate readers time and time again, making it a cherished part of their reading history. The blend of adventure, mystery, and scientific exploration is noted as particularly engaging, ensuring the book's enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    One of the books I have read and re-read with unfailing pleasure and interest.

    A thrilling adventure with a compellingly Byronic central character.

    This is a perfect seaside read – though it might put you off going swimming.

Nathan Goldwag's Blog · Nathan Goldwag · 2023-02-19
engaging 4.00

The novel is captivating with its undersea exploration, though the middle sections can feel drawn out. The character of Captain Nemo is compelling and adds depth to the adventure.

Nathan Goldwag found Jules Verne's novel to be a thrilling adventure, particularly praising the character of Captain Nemo, who adds a layer of complexity to the story. However, he notes that the middle sections of the book, which take place entirely on the Nautilus, can sometimes feel slow and repetitive. Despite this, the overall journey is engaging and the novel's exploration of the undersea world is both imaginative and educational. Goldwag appreciates the blend of adventure and scientific curiosity that Verne brings to the tale, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The entirety of Twenty Thousand Leagues takes place in or around the Nautilus, Nemo's magnificent submarine.

    Captain Nemo is a compellingly Byronic character, adding depth to the adventure.

    The middle sections can feel drawn out, but the overall journey is captivating.

Warm Days Will Never Cease Blog · 2021-02-24
fun 4.50

The book is fun, clever, and thoroughly engaging, making it a recommended adventure novel. The Oxford University Press edition is particularly praised for its quality.

The reviewer from Warm Days Will Never Cease Blog found Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea to be a delightful and clever adventure. They highlight the book's engaging narrative and recommend it for its fun and imaginative storytelling. The Oxford University Press edition is noted for its high quality, adding to the overall enjoyment of the read. The reviewer appreciates the blend of adventure and scientific exploration, making it a book that is both entertaining and educational.

Quick quotes

    It was fun, clever, and thoroughly engaging.

    Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a fun adventure novel and I'd recommend it!

    I read the OUP edition, which was excellent.

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