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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 658.562
EAN: 9780812972122
ISBN: 0812972120
Label: Random House Inc
Manufacturer: Random House Inc
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 768
Publication Date: 2004-08-02
Publisher: Random House Inc
Studio: Random House Inc

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: A note of caution
Review: This particular edition features an introduction written by one Caleb Carr. The first thing I must do is confess that I myself have never taken it upon me to write even something close to an introduction for a novel, but despite this lack of experience in this field I have always been under the firm impression that it is quite common practice that among the guide-lines in doing so would be at least to NOT give away the entire plot of the book in a few sentences.
What was Mr. Carr thinking? I mean, it's *only* the title of the book itself that indicates what is at the heart of this story, and it's this mysterious aspect of the island that keeps the suspense of the story intact until the last few chapters. I for one wouldn't have seen it coming if it hadn't been for glancing through the introductory words, which shatter the 'mystery' aspect of this novel in a stupendously effective manner.
This is an excellent read indeed, as long as one keeps in mind that 'Introduction' should read 'Epilogue' instead.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: I wish I had been there
Review: I should start by saying that this is my favourite Jules Verne novel. The story concerns a group of men who find themselves stranded on a remote island after their baloon crash lands. Once on the island they soon realise that if they are going to survive it is going to be because of their own actions and ingenuity. Verne shows what a group of people can achieve starting from nothing. The group manage to create everything they could ever need from the natural materials that the island provides. It is fascinating learning how everything is made and how the different degrees of civilisation they create affect the inhabitants. Everytime they create something new that adds a bit more comfort to their lives, we as readers share that comfort.

Perhaps my only worry about the book would be that the group of men that are stranded are the best examples of human nature, but by having them all as decent, intelligent people Verne shows just what fantastic things human kind can create. If you enjoy this book it might be worth you ready Verne's Among the Cannibals. This book details the past life of one of the characters in the Mysterious Island.

Another strength to this novel is the return of one of Verne's greatest characters but I shall not say anymore about that as I would not want to spoil any surprise. The book is uplifting, interesting and may just help you if you get stuck on some speck of land in the middle of the ocean.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Fantastic
Review: Jules Verne not only opens up the minds of readers but also sends us in our own world of adventure. To think that he lives many centuries ago and have come up with ideas that are still being put in to action today is amazing. Read all his books, all are equally good. ^_^

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