Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon

“Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon” is a novel written by the renowned French author Jules Verne. Published in 1881 it is also known by its original French title “La Jangada.” The story takes place in Brazil and follows the adventures of Joam Garral his family and a group of explorers as they navigate the vast Amazon River.</br></br> The plot revolves around Joam Garral a rancher in the Brazilian province of Matto Grosso who is wrongly accused of a crime and is determined to prove his innocence. Joam decides to embark on a journey down the Amazon River on a large flat-bottomed boat called a jangada. Accompanying him are his daughter Minha and a few close friends. As they make their way down the river the group encounters various perils and challenges. They face natural hazards including treacherous rapids dangerous animals and the ever-present threat of disease. Additionally they must deal with human adversaries as Joam’s enemies seek to capture him and prevent him from clearing his name.</br></br> “Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon” combines elements of adventure mystery and exploration. It showcases Verne’s fascination with technological advancements of the time as the characters use various means of transportation such as steamships and trains. The novel also touches on themes of family loyalty redemption and the contrast between civilization and the untamed wilderness.