The Mysterious Island

There is an interesting story about Jules Verne’s first home. In the middle of the river at Nantes lies a small sandy island. This had been bought in 1723 by twenty-four rich merchants who wanted to construct ornate homes to match their wealth. In time, twenty-four lovely homes could be seen from the mainland, and the owners were, for a time, able to live an idyllic life. It was on this island that Pierre Verne met Sophie, fell in love with her, and married her. Sophie’s parents lived on the island, and as Pierre was not well off, the couple set up housekeeping with the bride’s parents. It was on this island that Jules was born and dreamed his first dreams.

Verne used to be flooded with letters from female admirers, letters that often contained locks of hair. Jules would answer the letters, but would throw the hair into the fire. He would often remark, after reading one of these declarations of love, that the mer-maids of The Mysterious Island were his only love. If mermaids represented far-off places, then he spoke the truth.