Jeremie+BC3

I chose to read A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. In this book, the earth is hollowed out by countless fissures that a skillful and daring explorer can navigate to the center of the earth. This would have still been very far fetched when the book was published, but not impossible. We know from scientific discovery that the heat of the earth’s core makes this journey utterly inconceivable.

Professor Hardwigg and his nephew Harry, with the help of Hans, their guide, attempt to go where no man has gone before, the center of the earth. Well maybe they aren’t the first; they were preceded by Arne Sarknussemm.

Their journey is filled with misfortune and peril. They run out of water and food on separate occasions. Harry gets lost and spends several days wandering in total darkness. They get lost. They ignite an explosion that begins an earthquake that drains the Central Lake. They also make staggering discoveries that would make any botanist dance for joy. They discover huge prehistoric mushrooms, strange varieties of fish that cannot see, as well as a strange prehistoric type of man.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Jules Verne very skillfully entertains his readers as well as educating them. The book was exciting and kept my attention. I will say that it did seem very fanciful and unbelievable. I still enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it to a friend.