The Mysterious Island

By: Jules Verne

Narrated by: Gene Engene

During the Civil War, five Union soldiers and a dog quietly escape from the clutches of the Confederate Army at Richmond, Virginia by hot air balloon. Their intention was to simply drift safely over to the Union lines and rejoin their own troops. Instead, while aloft, they were caught in a high wind and whisked hundreds of miles out to sea. The men carried no provisions for survival and had no idea where they were. Under those circumstances their future was bleak. Worse yet, the balloon was leaking air and slowly deflating. As the balloon made its slow descent from the sky, the men were fortunate to spot an island in the distance. As the balloon dropped lower and lower it also drifted closer to the island. When the basket hit the sea, the partially deflated balloon dragged it violently across the surface and scattered the men among the waves. The men were able to swim to their only refuge...the mysterious island. At first the island was accomodating, but then it became more mysterious as unusual and strange happenings occured. Something deep in the depths of the island seemed to have control...something mysterious and unidentifiable....

Public Domain (P)2014 Books in Motion

The clarity of the author’s descriptions and knowledge of scientific operations

It is fantastical but a great listen. I enjoyed listening to the respect each of the characters had for each other

Fantastic Story

What made the experience of listening to The Mysterious Island the most enjoyable?

The listening experience had its ups and downs. In particular often times while listening there appeared to be some type of background noise by the performer.

What other book might you compare The Mysterious Island to and why?

It was such an incredible story I really can't compare it to anything else.

Which character – as performed by Gene Engene – was your favorite?

All the characters were terrific.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The problem solving in the book was exceptional to think how long ago this was written. An absolute treasure of a book.

the book is great but...

absolutely love the book! the narration on the other hand was a bit irritating at times. I'm not sure if he was too near the mic, but it was loud and almost as if he were spitting in the mic. There is also an echo that confused me because the echo came after what was spoken but the content was what was about to be spoken so it was ahead of the narrator.

Felt Like A Classic

The narrator does an excellent job, the story is refreshing and keeps interest. Well worth.

Old school still interesting

Great tale, with unexpected cameo appearance.
I especially enjoyed the narrator's characterizations. Ready for more.

Loved the movie so decided to try this . . .

This is not the Harryhausen movie at all but I really enjoyed it too. Dreaming of being on a deserted island is just that. This book has all the hard work it would take not just to survive but to thrive. I got to labor along with them and learn how it could be done. Wow! What an adventure! Incredible wildlife including animals and pirates. A lesson on life and redemption. Loved the narration too. Long and satisfying.

A bit far fetched for me.

Castaways that magically find or make everything you could ever want. Every event is all to convenient.

A Bit Far Fetched

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Make it more believable. It was almost SciFi. For me it wasn't enjoyable.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

See Above

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Gene Engene?

He is Fine

Did The Mysterious Island inspire you to do anything?

Sale the book back.