Around the World in Eighty Days, Jules Verne

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is a classic adventure novel that captures the imagination with its daring journey, clever twists, and vibrant portrayal of the world’s cultures and landscapes. First published in 1873, this fast-paced narrative has remained one of Verne’s most celebrated works, inspiring readers to dream of far-off places, thrilling escapes, and the thrill of competition.

Plot Summary:

The story follows Phileas Fogg, a wealthy, methodical, and eccentric English gentleman who lives a life governed by strict routine. One evening at London’s Reform Club, after an impassioned discussion about the possibility of traveling around the world in just eighty days, Fogg stakes a bet of £20,000—an enormous sum in that era—against his fellow club members that he can circumnavigate the globe in this short time. If he succeeds, he wins the wager; if he fails, he will lose everything.

With nothing more than his word and a finely crafted plan, Phileas Fogg sets off on his journey with his trusty servant Passepartout. The adventure takes him across a series of exotic locations, including India, China, Japan, the United States, and many more, where he encounters obstacles, challenges, and dangers along the way. He must rely on his ingenuity, resourcefulness, and determination to overcome setbacks, such as train delays, shipwrecks, and encounters with dangerous adversaries.

Meanwhile, Fogg's journey is complicated by Aouda, a beautiful young woman he rescues in India, who becomes an important part of the story. As Fogg races to complete his journey, he is relentlessly pursued by Detective Fix, who mistakenly believes Fogg is a criminal responsible for a bank robbery.