Does it still count as Filler if theres nothing else to it?
It seems the central conceit of this is not enough to build a story around so you have various other elements strung together to pass the time. There's a bit of romance, social politics, international politics, some piracy, some comedy (MOST of which at least manages to survive the translator) and of course, since this is verne some facts. Which in this case is a tour of the pacific islands.
Have you ever wanted to know the import/exports, population, geology, flora/fauna and political history of Tahiti circa 1890? Well then this is the book for you!
OK, it isn't as bad as it sounds, its usually at least mildly interesting. I've had several worse Verne reading experiences.
I did like the ending and most of the incidents along the way held my interest, except for one which was too random and ridiculous.
Lions and tigers and alligators, Oh My! ( )

Once more, I did not find this to be among Verne's most astounding of works. The plot was haphazard and thrown about and the characters seemed like only vestiges of what they could have been. Overall, I would say that one could comfortably skip this one- even if they like Verne books.

2.5 stars. ( )

Verne's prescient novel of a society of elites who construct their own country and navigate it around the world's oceans. The technical premise of vast floating structures built from concrete cassions is completely contemporary, and is being considered even today for both industrial and residential purposes. What Verne adds to this technical tour de force is an insight into the social and political considerations involved in the creation of floating nation-states. As we contemplate the submergence of island states, we might soon have to deal with the issue of whether they continue as legitimate entities, and whether we accept the transfer of their sovereignty to these sort of structures, and whether if we recognize these we also open up the possibility of politically motivated groups setting up their own societies afloat. ( )