55 pages • 1 hour read
The Mysterious Island
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
723
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Island • Civil War Era
1875
Adult
12+ years
410L
Super Short Summary
First published in 1875, The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne tells the story of five men, Cyrus Smith, Gideon Spillet, Pencroff, Harbert, and Nebuchadnezzar, who escape the American Civil War via air balloon and crash-land on a remote Pacific island. They showcase their resourcefulness in building shelter and ships while mysteries unfold around them, including the discovery of a castaway, Ayrton, and their eventual encounter with Captain Nemo.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Exciting
Hopeful
Informative
Reviews & Readership
55,675 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne has been praised for its inventive plot and detailed scientific elements, engaging readers with a blend of adventure and ingenuity. However, some find the pacing slow and the character development lacking. Overall, it remains a captivating classic for enthusiasts of exploratory fiction, balancing imagination with realism.
Who Should Read The Mysterious Island?
Readers who relish thrilling adventures, scientific ingenuity, and survival tales would enjoy The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. It's ideal for fans of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, offering an engaging blend of exploration and innovation in a remote setting. An appreciation for classic literature and detailed descriptions enriches the experience.
55,675 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gideon Spilett
Gideon Spilett
A resourceful journalist with a wealth of diverse experiences, providing invaluable insights into various challenges faced by the group. Known as a quick thinker, he serves as a secondary voice of reason alongside Cyrus.
Nebuchadnezzar (“Neb”)
Nebuchadnezzar (“Neb”)
A young, vigorous, and intelligent man in his thirties, freed from slavery by Cyrus and respected as an equal by his companions. He is known for his culinary skills and bravery, especially during times of potential danger.
Bonadventure Pencroff
Bonadventure Pencroff
A seasoned sailor in his late thirties, characterized by his tan skin and bright eyes, who often acts on impulse and emotion. Pencroff is adventurous and pushes the group to take on daring challenges, such as building a ship and exploring neighboring islands.
Harbert Brown
Harbert Brown
A 15-year-old boy who grows in physical stature and maturity throughout the narrative, initially under Pencroff's guardianship. He possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of animals, contributing scientific insights to the group's endeavors.
723
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Island • Civil War Era
1875
Adult
12+ years
410L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.