From the Bookshelf of Gentle SPECTRUMS…

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Jules Verne

Start date: July 28, 2020

Finish date: August 8, 2020

Discussion: A Place For Buddy-Reading

Why we're reading this: Read with pleasure in the long-distance company of Leeanne and the overseas company of Kerri!
[close] Read with pleasure in the long-distance company of Leeanne and the overseas company of Kerri!

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A Place For Buddy-Reading

A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth
By C. (Comment,… · 63 posts · 3 views

last updated Oct 05, 2020 08:02AM

"Light A Penny Candle" M Binchy
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last updated Jun 24, 2014 09:17AM

What Members Thought

Aug 08, 2020 Kerri rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: buddy-reads, book-to-screen-adaptation, classics

A book that I've been meaning to read for the longest time. I found a copy many years ago in a charity shop, and ever since then I would look at it regularly and think I will read that soon, but then it would slip my mind whenever I was selecting my next book. I watched the film with Brendan Fraser when it came out which added to my interest in reading the book, but I still just never got around to it. However I think that worked out well, as I was able to read this as a buddy read which really ...more

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Aug 08, 2020 C. (Comment, never msg). rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: riedel-titles-2020

“A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” was published by Jules Verne in 1864 as “Voyage Au Centre De La Terre”. I read it 2 months ago, 156 years later. What a testament, to be a classic for this span of time. As a book and adventure lover, I wanted to acquaint his work. “Back To The Future III” and the retelling starring Brendan Fraser, stirred my interest further. Reading it with Kerri and Leeanne enhanced my momentous foray, clarifying murky parts and sharing dynamic conversations.

Four stars m ...more

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Aug 17, 2020 Leeanne G rated it really liked it

Shelves: favourites

I saw the movie many years ago and didn’t realize it was based off a book until recently. I’m glad I found out and was able to order an unabridged copy from my local library. Jules Verne originally wrote his books in French as part of his Les Voyages Extraordinaries book series. My copy was translated by Robert Baldick, who translated many books by French authors into English until his death in 1972. I did have some trouble with the wording. There were words I didn’t know and had to look up th I saw the movie many years ago and didn’t realize it was based off a book until recently. I’m glad I found out and was able to order an unabridged copy from my local library. Jules Verne originally wrote his books in French as part of his Les Voyages Extraordinaries book series. My copy was translated by Robert Baldick, who translated many books by French authors into English until his death in 1972. I did have some trouble with the wording. There were words I didn’t know and had to look up the meaning of. Even so, I think he did a great job with this one and I was very pleased to know he kept the original names of the characters Axel and Professor Lidenbrock.

Overall I enjoyed the book, though the story was a bit slow at times. After the discovery and decoding of the cryptogram it slowed down. When they finally got to Iceland and Sneffels my interest was renewed and I was fully engaged until the end.

I have read in other reviews of this that people were upset about the fact that they don’t technically make it to the centre of the earth. This fact didn’t bother me at all. I found the ending quite satisfying just the same. They saw and discovered so much down there that I didn’t feel that we were cheated. Even though they don’t technically make it to the centre does not mean they ‘failed.’ They saw and experienced enough to make up for not technically finishing the journey.

Axel was certainly my favourite character. He is the one telling the story, describing their journey in great detail. He starts out very reluctant and worried about their survival. He is convinced they will burn to death and tries so very hard to convince his stubborn uncle out of going. Professor Lidenbrock would have none of it and drags his nephew along, much to Axel’s dismay.

“It was no use my arguing, begging, losing my temper: I came up against a will harder than granite.” - Axel Lidenbrock

I enjoyed the book even more when Axel finally started enjoying himself. He tired of arguing with his uncle and instead paid more attention, and began to appreciate his surroundings. Out of the three travellers, Axel shows the most interest, excitement and appreciation for what they discover.

The three characters balance each other rather well. Hans is their reliable, loyal guide who saves their lives many times. Professor Lidenbrock is the selfish, impatient, easily angered uncle of Axel. Axel is the reluctant, anxious, pessimistic traveller who loves and appreciates science.

Jules Verne’s incredible imagination and way with words begins to show itself more clearly in the second half of the book. The discovery of the sea was a beautifully written chapter. There is a specific part where Axel has an incredibly detailed dream about prehistoric creatures. It is one of my favourite parts.

I look forward to reading more of Jules Verne and rewatching the movie. It’ll be interesting to see how it differs from the book.
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