A straightforward adventure/exploration story

A straightforward adventure/exploration story. Verne is a master at capturing the magic of geography. He juggles all that while also letting the reader ponder the wonders of technology and the industry and honor of man.

Again, the biggest limit to Verne is his poor 19th-century translators and editors and in this novel perhaps a tad too much colonial attitude. Verne's inaccuracy about Mormons is funny, but illustrative of the weakness found throught the rest of the book. Verne seemed more adept at speculating about the future and technology than observing the present and people.

17 people found this helpful

We Cheered at the End!

My kids (ages 10 and 6) listened to this book together. We enjoyed it thoroughly! Patrick Tull's characterizations were impeccable, especially that of the French servant. I found myself very involved in the story, and looking for every opportunity to turn it on.

For parents who might be selecting this for your children, be aware that the language is difficult to understand at times due to the more formal style of the unabridged text. My daughter (age 6) had a tough time understanding some of the syntax, but a third of the way through or so she seemed to adjust to it and was able to follow the story much better. She enjoyed the story very much, and when it ended all three of us literally cheered!

15 people found this helpful

A Classic Not To Be Missed!

Thrilling and charming adventure. This was a sheer delight and I am at a loss as to why I have not read this book earlier. Delightful in every sense of the word. Endearing characters and pure escapism. The performance by Patrick Tull was sublime. He was perfect. The tension and excitement he created were spine-chilling at times. One of my favourite books and I have listened to it twice already. Fabulous!!!!

8 people found this helpful

BUT THIS!

I believe there'll be many who may react strongly to this but I think many of classic literature are not as fun to read as some of modern titles. But it is so for me. I can't help thinking this way.

So I tend to be very selective when I choose "classics."

And when it comes to "Around the World in 80 Days," I do recommend it with two thumbs up (four thumbs up if I've had another pair of hands) even if you are bored by old-fashioned language and sometimes slower pace as easily as myself.

I'm amazed at how Jules Verne, a French author, could offer such details so smoothly in the late 19th century.

I wouldn't say further lest this review becomes a spoiler for you. Just get this audiobook and enjoy!

6 people found this helpful

Fun, classic story - but SCREEN PLAY BETTER

What made the experience of listening to Around the World in 80 Days the most enjoyable?

Fast moving, compelling adventure story.

Any additional comments?

Actually a bit disappointed. This was because the movie is such a favorite. The screen play is really much more detailed, compelling, colorful and enjoyable. Many of the pivotal scenes in the book are only lightly detailed and pass without the detail that one might want. This is one of those cases where the movie was actually an improvement on the book.

4 people found this helpful

A delightful read

Jules Verne was an excellent writer and this is one of his great, classic stories. It is a fun romp around the world and the characters are very engaging, especially Passepartout who provides the main point of view for the reader as well as a catalyst for a lot of the action. The book builds to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.

It is read by the great Patrick Tull who is famous for reading the Patrick O'Brien novels (which is why I chose this particular book). Tull imbues each character with their own personality, he really was one of the best readers.

I highly recommend this book, it is also a great family book.

4 people found this helpful

An exciting book for the whole family!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The book moved along at a nice pace, and the subplot of the thief kept us wondering. We used the story as part of our geography lesson, and we tracked the main character's movement throughout the story. The reader did a great job on all voice performances, too.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and the suspense of the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The bartering for the elephant scene.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was too long for that, but we did use it on a long car ride. Perfect! Everyone enjoyed it.

2 people found this helpful

Couldn't finish

I picked out this book since it is a classic, but half way through it I still didn't care one bit about any of the characters and I didn't want to keep listening to find out what happens. Life is too short to waste on a book one does not enjoy so I gave up. The narrator was good, the story for me, not so much.

2 people found this helpful

Classic Adventure - narrator a bit clipped.

The story stands the test of time. A good, rollicking adventure. The narrator is too quick and clipped. Slowing the track down to .9 speed worked well.

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful classic

I only wish I had read this sooner! Wonderful adventure story! Would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking adventure

1 person found this helpful