Book review: Around The World In Eighty Days by Jules Verne

There are few books that offer such a perfect blend of adventure, imagination, and charm as Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. From the moment I opened its pages, I felt swept into a whirlwind of travel, time pressure, and unexpected encounters — all told with a sense of wonder that has hardly aged since the novel’s publication.

Written in 1872, this work is one of Verne’s most celebrated contributions to adventure fiction. Aimed at a broad audience, from young readers to curious adults, the book combines a love of geography, a fascination with modern technology, and a sharp eye for cultural encounters. Set in the late 19th century, it follows the story of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and enigmatic English gentleman who wagers that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days — a feat made newly possible by the modern transportation network of his time. Accompanied by his lively French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a meticulously timed journey through Europe, Asia, and America, facing a variety of obstacles that test his composure, ingenuity, and determination. Along the way, they encounter both danger and delight, and the narrative pulses with a steady tension between precise planning and unpredictable disruption.

Verne’s style is brisk, clear, and often subtly humorous. He writes with confidence and control, carefully laying out each phase of the journey while also injecting moments of levity and suspense. The structure of the book is essentially episodic, with each chapter moving the characters a step closer to their destination — or further from it, depending on the twist of fate. Yet beneath the clockwork precision of the plot lies a deeper meditation on the human relationship to time, progress, and perseverance. Verne’s imagery, while not overly poetic, is vivid and functional; he has a gift for painting foreign landscapes in swift, colorful strokes that feel both economical and immersive. He also imbues his characters with just enough emotional resonance to make their journey matter beyond the simple thrill of travel.

What struck me most was how the book manages to combine logic and reason with whimsy and spontaneity. Fogg is the embodiment of calm rationality, while Passepartout represents a more emotional, impulsive nature — together, they balance each other and give the story both its tension and heart. If there is a flaw in the novel, it might be its occasional reliance on cultural stereotypes, which reflect the time in which it was written. Some depictions of foreign lands and peoples feel simplistic by modern standards, though they never descend into cruelty. Rather than diminishing the book, these moments offer a chance to reflect on the evolution of global understanding and the importance of approaching historical works with awareness.

Personally, I found the book an absolute delight — it is fast-paced but thoughtful, entertaining without being shallow. It reminded me how thrilling the world once seemed, and how literature can awaken in us the same desire to explore, to challenge limits, and to believe in the improbable. While the novel may not offer deep emotional complexity, its charm lies in its spirit: the idea that a man with a map, a watch, and a will can take on the whole world — and perhaps discover more than he ever intended.

So, Around the World in Eighty Days is a joyful and clever exploration of ambition, travel, and human ingenuity. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic adventures, tales of travel, or simply a well-crafted story that stands the test of time. A brisk, brilliant journey that continues to enchant.

This book review was written using the following references 👇

• Full text Around The World In Eighty Days by Jules Verne at LitArchive
• Audiobook Around The World In Eighty Days by Jules Verne at AudioReads