"Around the World in Eighty Days" by Jane Bingham is a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a global journey inspired by Jules Verne's classic novel. Bingham's modern retelling of this renowned tale follows the wealthy Englishman, Phileas Fogg, who makes a daring wager to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days.
Bingham wonderfully recreates the sense of excitement and anticipation that saturates the original story. The vivid descriptions of bustling London streets and exotic Indian landscapes allow readers to immerse themselves alongside Fogg and his loyal companion, Passepartout. The meticulous attention to detail and rich historical context truly bring the novel to life.
What sets this modern retelling apart is the addition of new plot twists and contemporary elements. Bingham seamlessly weaves suspense, drama, and even romance into the narrative, adding depth and intrigue. The interactions between the characters are intricately crafted, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and relationships.
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One of Bingham's strengths lies in her ability to delicately balance familiar aspects of the original story with her unique additions. Fans of Verne's work will appreciate the respectful homage paid to the source material, while newcomers will be captivated by the novel's originality. Bingham's engaging and accessible prose ensures that readers of all ages can enjoy this book.
Overall, "Around the World in Eighty Days" by Jane Bingham is a captivating modern retelling of Jules Verne's classic. With its vivid descriptions, compelling plot twists, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and fans of the original story. Bingham's skillful storytelling takes readers on a thrilling journey, ensuring their engagement until the very last page.
What are readers saying?
Jane Bingham's book "Around the World in Eighty Days" has received varied feedback from readers. Some reviewers found it to be an exciting adventure that effectively captures the essence of Jules Verne's original story. They enjoyed its fast-paced plot, which mirrors the race against time in the original story. Bingham's writing style was praised for its simplicity, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The book was also commended for its ability to bring exotic locations to life and ignite the readers' imagination.
However, not all readers were fully satisfied with the book. Some felt that it lacked originality and failed to bring anything new to the story. They found Bingham's writing to be predictable and lacking surprises or unexpected twists. Additionally, there were comments on the lack of character development, particularly regarding the protagonist, Phileas Fogg, who was felt to lack depth and complexity. The supporting characters also received criticism for being one-dimensional and underdeveloped.
Another point of contention among readers was the book's deviation from the original story. While some appreciated Bingham's modernization efforts, making the narrative more accessible to contemporary readers, others believed she strayed too far from Verne's vision. Specific changes to plot points and character arcs left some reviewers disappointed.
Overall, the reviews for "Around the World in Eighty Days" by Jane Bingham suggest a mixed response from readers. While some enjoyed the adventure and found the writing style engaging, others expressed a desire for more depth and originality. Ultimately, whether you will enjoy this book may depend on your familiarity with the original story and your willingness to accept modern adaptations.