The Mysterious Island

4 out of 5

By Nathalie Brossard on Nov 15, 2010

This book is set in 1865 at a time when the American civil war was at its height. Captain Cyrus Harding, Gideon Spilen, a reporter for the New York Herald, Nebuchadnezzar a servant of Captain Harding, Pencroft a sailor and Herbert a relative of Pencroft resolve to escape Richmond where they are being held as prisoners of war. They do so in a balloon and are blown to an island. The book then goes into great detail about how they managed on the island. It is almost comparable to Robinson Crusoe. However, they continue to get help when they most need it which is very strange since they know of no other living agency other than themselves on the island. They expend considerable time and effort in searching for this mysterious friend. We eventually learn that this friend is Captain Nemo of 20000 leagues under the seas. He is dying and his true identity is revealed towards the end of the book. The adventurers are rescued by the Duncon which featured in another Vern adventure. This book is excellent for practical survival tips and shows what determined men of strong character can do even under the most adverse circumstances. Written by Pranav Lal.