Book Review for Jules Verne's "The Mysterious Island"

Jules Verne, a writer who has for over a century, enlightened us, intrigued us, and made us believe. He is truly a "father" of modern day science fiction. His gift for adding science and discovery into his writings have created many foundations for the science fiction genres that we possess to this very day. One of his most beloved books entitled, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", (for all those who don't know), has a sequel. The sequel? "The Mysterious Island." The Mysterious Island is a novel based upon five Union soldiers and a dog who escape a Confederate prison camp in a hot air balloon only to be cast upon an island somewhere in the Pacific. The characters in this story consist of: Captain Cyrus Harding, Nebuchadnezzar or (Neb) for short, Herbert, Pencroft, Mr. Gideon Spillett, and Top (the dog). One other character being the infamous Captain Nemo makes an appearance.

Captain Cyrus Harding is the chosen leader of the escaped group and a great asset to his company. His expertise and ingenuity are most valuable to all who are stranded on the island. Neb, a prior slave, is a character of strength and loyalty to Captain Harding and to his newly formed friends. Herbert, is the youngest of the group and has a vast knowledge of both plant and animal life. This knowledge was of extreme importance for the groups' survival. Pencroft, is the ever "rough and ready" sailor. He is dependable with a certain "leap before looking" attitude, but obedient to orders. Gideon Spillett is a war correspondent who keeps a journal of all the fantastic events that take place. His knowledge and education both edify and enrich all the above mentioned in the survival throughout the story. Top, is the "pet", so to speak, of the stranded men and an animal unmatched in instinct and loyalty.

I found this book to be exhaustive and enriching in both imagination and learning. I understood why Jules Verne's followers are called, "Vernians." Incidentally, my curiosity over this book was sparked back in 2005 when I rented a movie called, "Digger." This movie, (1993), stars Leslie Neilsen, Joshua Jackson, and Adam Hann-Byrd as Digger. Digger is a troubled kid who is taken to stay with family. While Digger is there he meets a bizarre kid named, Billy. Billy befriends Digger and refers to himself as Captain Nemo and Digger as Captain Harding. In reference, Digger, being Captain Harding, has been stranded on an island that is unknown. Billy, being Captain Nemo, lives on the island and helps Captain Harding. These references in the movie peeked my interest so much that I had to read The Mysterious Island for myself. I loved this book never wanting it to end. Upon completion of the story I felt as though good friends had moved on.

You may also purchase a PC games called, Return To Mysterious Island and Return To Mysterious Island II (Mina's Fate). It is the story of a young girl named Mina who is stranded on the island years later. Part II is about the fate of the young girl. I have not played these games, but my curiosity has me itching to try them. There have been a few movies made about this book. I hate to sound rhetorical, but, the book is definitely better than any movie I have seen. If you are a Jules Verne fan The Mysterious island is a definitely a book for you. There are many other details of the story I would love to mention. I will leave them, however, buried in the secret chest of pages. My hope is that you seek this chest and uncover the magic in this book for yourself.