The Mysterious Island

by Jules Verne
The Mysterious Island cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Adventure
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Format • £6.64
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Paperback • £3.99–£9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2583
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780819574565
  • Publisher: Wesleyan University Press
  • Published: 2013-09-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

The Mysterious Island is one of Jules Verne's longest novels, originally published in 1874. This new translation by Wesleyan restores the original text, complete with notes, appendices, and illustrations from the French edition. The story follows a group of men who become castaways on an island in the Pacific during the American Civil War. They must use their scientific and technological knowledge to survive and rebuild their world from the meager resources available. As they struggle to establish a new society, they discover that Captain Nemo from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea has been secretly aiding them. This adventure story is notable for its modern retelling of the utopian deserted-island myth, echoing classics like Robinson Crusoe and the Swiss Family Robinson. This edition features an introduction and notes by Verne scholar William Butcher, providing valuable context and insights into Verne's work. The inclusion of original illustrations and the restoration of censored scenes make this a comprehensive and authentic reading experience.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-15
brilliant 4.00

Customers find the book to be a brilliant read with an astonishing finale, though the writing quality receives mixed feedback.

Many customers praised 'The Mysterious Island' as a brilliant read, particularly highlighting the astonishing finale that leaves a lasting impression. The story's adventure and mystery elements are noted as standout features. However, the writing quality received mixed feedback, with some customers finding it a bit uneven. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the book is a thrilling and engaging read, making it a worthwhile addition to any adventure lover's collection.

Quick quotes

    Customers find this book to be a brilliant read with an astonishing finale.

    The writing quality receives mixed feedback, with one customer noting it's a little uneven.

    The story's adventure and mystery elements are noted as standout features.

Medium · Colton Crowder · 2023-11-11
captivating 4.00

The reviewer recommends the book to anyone who loves science or adventure, highlighting the thrill of seeing humanity prevail. They found the story captivating and immersive.

Colton Crowder highly recommends 'The Mysterious Island' to anyone with a love for science or adventure. They found the story immensely captivating, as it draws the reader into the island's mysteries and the characters' struggles for survival. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the thrill of witnessing humanity's resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. The immersive nature of the text makes it a compelling read, convincing the reader that they are part of the journey.

Quick quotes

    I'd recommend it to anyone with a love for science or adventure or to anyone who wants to experience the thrill of seeing humanity prevail.

    This book captivates the mind as if you yourself were on this island.

    The text convinces the reader in the early chapters that the situation is dire, but the characters' determination and resourcefulness make it a thrilling read.

Dear Author · 2018-04-28
enthralling 4.50

The review highlights the adventure and optimism of the story, praising its engaging narrative and the thrill of survival. The translation is noted for its readability.

The reviewer found the adventure and optimism in 'The Mysterious Island' to be particularly engaging. They appreciated the story's ability to captivate readers with its thrilling narrative of survival and human ingenuity. The translation by Stump is praised for its readability, making the classic tale accessible and enjoyable. The reviewer also noted the wide-eyed humanistic optimism of the mid-nineteenth century that permeates the story, adding to its charm and appeal.

Quick quotes

    Five Union prisoners escape from the siege of Richmond in a balloon, are blown off course and crash on an uncharted island.

    Wide-eyed mid-nineteenth-century humanistic optimism in a breezy, blissfully readable translation by Stump

    Here is the enthralling tale of adventure and survival.

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