Jules Verne is famous for taking us to the moon and under the sea, but in The Special Correspondent, he grounds us in a very human race against time. The story follows Claude Blount, a top journalist for a London paper. His arch-rival, Harry Blount (no relation, just an annoying coincidence), is set to travel the newly completed Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing, sending back reports that will make his career. Claude can't stand the idea of being scooped.

The Story

So, Claude hatches a brilliant, risky plan. He travels to Russia ahead of his rival, assumes a fake identity, and boards the train as an ordinary passenger. His goal: secretly observe the journey and the famous people aboard, then rush to telegraph offices at each major stop to send his own, superior reports back to London—all before Harry Blount can file his. What follows is a hilarious and tense cat-and-mouse game across thousands of miles. Claude dodges suspicion, concocts wild stories to explain his frantic behavior, and battles everything from bureaucratic delays to the simple challenge of finding a free telegraph wire. The real enemy isn't a villain; it's the clock and his own pride.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast because it feels so current. Swap the telegraph for Twitter and you've got a perfect satire of our 24/7 news cycle and the desperate lengths people go to for clicks and fame. Verne's wit is on full display, poking fun at vanity, competition, and the absurdities of travel. Claude is a wonderfully flawed hero—you root for his cleverness but laugh at the messes his ego creates. It's a refreshing change from Verne's more technical adventures; here, the 'machine' is the global communication network, and the suspense is entirely human.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a clever, comedic adventure without the sci-fi frills. If you enjoy stories about underdogs, elaborate ruses, or the golden age of travel, you'll be hooked. It's also a great entry point for readers curious about Jules Verne but intimidated by the science in his heavier works. This is Verne in a lighter, more playful mood, proving he's just as good at writing about the race for a headline as he is about a race to the center of the Earth.