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Rating: 
Summary: The Verst Story Ever
Review: First, let me say that I read A LOT. I am an academic, and also an absolute lover of historical adventure fiction. I realize that reviews are nothing but subjective, but I just finished 'Michael Strogoff' and here are my thoughts:
1.) Verne is an awful writer. Yes, I realize he is one of the fathers of science fiction, but I remember reading 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea' when I was a wee boy, and remarking to myself how Verne would get bogged down in all sorts of scientific description and detail that I didn't find all that exciting. Well, 'Michael Strogoff' is a piece of historical fiction, and Verne takes his dry scientific writing approach to geography. You'll never forget the word 'verst,' that's for sure, as he uses the word on almost every page, with so-and-so versts between this village and that village and...Zzzzzzzzz.
2. 400 pages and no character development. In addition to 'verst,' be fully prepared for Verne to refer to Michael Strogoff by his full name almost every time. Michael Strogoff does this, Michael Strogoff does that. Other characters, from the Czar, to Nadia, to the annoying British and French journalists in the book, are in awe of Michael as 'such a Man.' I suppose; after all, Strogoff is nothing more than an action hero. But ALL of the characters in this novel are one-dimensional, and that's sheer agony. Or check this insight about a character named Nicholas, that Michael and Nadia encounter along the way: "His moody state may be accounted for when it is recollected that he was a man belonging to those northern races whose superstitious ancestors have been the founders of the Hyperborean mythology." Why yes, obviously. Brilliant.
3. I'll admit that the plot of the book is great, and the situations in the novel exciting. But I kept thinking of how this would be a much better novel if written by someone else. At least Kenneth Roberts could capture the epic sweep of the American Revolution and maintain character development as his characters would march from state to state. And I find it odd that although Verne is so scientifically minded, nearly all of the events in this book fit together by chance. Remember, the Russia of this novel is HUGE. And yet, you can always count on the main characters -- Michael, Nadia, the journalists -- to bump into each other in the middle of nowheresville, and to act all surprised at their meeting (again and again and again).
4.) Here's the kicker: I actually liked 'Michael Strogoff' enough to finish the book, but I had to give myself over to its stilted style. It's an adventure novel that TELLS you a lot about the adventure that's happening, but doesn't really let you EXPERIENCE the adventure deeply. I doubt that I'll ever read another novel by Jules Verne again, but for some inexplicable reason I was glad to have given this book a go. But I wouldn't recommend 'Michael Strogoff' to anyone, except those people that love the feel of the quality editions of Scribner Illustrated Classics and who know how great they look on a bookshelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Michael Strogoff in Tantor MP3
Review: Having recently found the boutique audio publisher Tantor, I have been a major consumer of their MP3 CDs and regular CDs. In addition to my favorite Edgar Rice Burroughs (yes I am over 50!)I purchased Michael Strogoff in MP3 CD format and could not stop listening. The story Jules Vern plays out for us is highly visual and while filled with the typical chance meetings found in the style of adventure writers of that day, it was first rate. The inclusion by Vern of the two newspaper reporters from England and France in several stages of the book was an interesting twist of comedy in a generally serious book.Those that have not had an opportunity to listen to audio books on CD or MP3CD would be delighted with this one to start.
Naration by John Bolen is as usual superior especially with male voices. His female voices sometimes can be too high pitched and shrill but once one has become a regular Tantor listener, it falls out of the conscious.Highly recommended literature.
Rating:
Summary: Spellbinding story plus geography lesson
Review: I first read Michael Strogoff in the Classics Illustrated comics version. Then I read it textually in the N.C. Wyeth illustrated edition, and later picked up a paperback that came out in the mid 1950s. I remember taking out my atlas and tracing his route across the Russian Empire, I believe from St. Petersburg to the shores of Lake Baikal. Learned some things about Russian geography that I never forgot, in addition to enjoying the great adventure story. I found out later that Jules Verne wrote in vivid detail about places he had never physically visited. Would like to get some opinions from native Russians or travelers who really know the places mentioned. But even if they do reveal all kinds of mistakes or misperceptions, the story is still a great one. Would like to purchase a new copy of Michael Strogoff to replaced my old paperback. But now they tell us that Verne's works were usually abridged in English translation, to become "novels for boys" without the political commentary and other adult details. So I guess I will wait until I know that there is an unabridged English translation available, like for Mysterious Island and some others.
Rating: 
Summary: The best Jules Verne book nobody has ever heard of
Review: Michael Strogoff is a broad adventure that is completely out of context with the science fiction for which Verne is renowned. When I mention this book to people, nobody has ever heard of it. The story is compelling and the characters heroic. Only some of the trite cliches in character and plot (The perfection of the hero and heroine, the pat "Happily ever after..." ending) prevent this from 5 stars. The book provides a kind exposure to russian names and places and works well as a lead in to loftier, authentic russian literature particularly Tolstoy who captures similar broad vista adventures. Michael Strogoff has been required reading in my family for three generations.
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Summary: Not your typical Jules Verne, but definitely a classic!
Review: MICHAEL STROGOFF is not the typical Jules Verne novel one might expect. It's not the science fiction that he is so well known for. It is however an adventure that is sure to please, just like his scientific adventures (JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA). This novel is more comparable to his lesser known FUR COUNTRY, which is also highly recommended. MICHAEL STROGOFF is the story of the currier of the czar of Russia during a Mongol invasion. There's adventure, romance, strategy, comedy and just about a little something for everyone else. All combined, MICHAEL STROGOFF is an exciting, quick read that will surely entertain just about any reader.
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Summary: Exciting Adventure
Review: My paperback mysteriously disappeared ages ago-- I'm so glad to see the book is back in print, in several editions! Not only is MICHAEL STROGOFF one of Jules Verne's least-known books, it also spawned one of the least-known Jules Verne film adaptations! Seek out if you can, from 1937, SOLDIER AND THE LADY, starring Anton Walbrook (the hero), Akim Tamiroff (the villain!) and Ed Brophy (the comic-relief newspaper-reporter). It feels like a Disney "adventure" film decades before Disney started doing them!
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Summary: A Hollywood Blockbuster!
Review: Okay, maybe not - yet. This beautiful story of adventure, danger, heroism, and hairbreadth escapes leads me to believe that visionary Jules Verne correctly predicted yet ANOTHER modern invention - the blockbuster action/adventure film. And yet it would be a shame to make a movie of this brilliant novel, however ideal it might be. I have loved every Jules Verne book I have read (with the exception of the wretched Paris in the 20th Century), and I believe this very well might be his best. I am thrilled to see it back in print. Read it and marvel at how far ahead of his time Verne was in every respect.
Rating:
Summary: A Hollywood Blockbuster!
Review: Okay, maybe not - yet. This beautiful story of adventure, danger, heroism, and hairbreadth escapes leads me to believe that visionary Jules Verne correctly predicted yet ANOTHER modern invention - the blockbuster action/adventure film. And yet it would be a shame to make a movie of this brilliant novel, however ideal it might be. I have loved every Jules Verne book I have read (with the exception of the wretched Paris in the 20th Century), and I believe this very well might be his best. I am thrilled to see it back in print. Read it and marvel at how far ahead of his time Verne was in every respect.
Rating:
Summary: Great, not like the others
Review: This book was great, it was nothing like his science-fiction books, this book proves that Jules Verne is great even outside Science-fiction. He creates a great and adventurous book, his best in my opinion!
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: This book was one of the most thrilling books I have ever read. It wasn't science fiction but it was full of adventure and fun. What was great about the book was that the reader didn't have too much of an intense outlook on the heroes because there were two other characters- journalists, one French and the other English who helped you understand and enjoy the story more. READ THE BOOK!- one of my favourites!
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