Invasion of the Sea
Published in 1905, Invasion of the Sea (L'Invasion de la mer) is one of Jules Verne's final novels, blending adventure, geopolitics, and visionary engineering into a compelling narrative. Set in the deserts of North Africa, the novel explores the ambitious-and controversial-idea of creating an inland sea by flooding the Sahara Desert, a concept inspired by real 19th-century proposals. This story combines Verne's fascination with scientific progress and its unintended consequences, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with nature.
The narrative follows a French engineer, Captain Hardigan, who is tasked with overseeing the ambitious Sahara Sea project. The goal is to transform the arid desert into a fertile, navigable waterway, thereby fostering commerce and civilization. However, the plan faces fierce opposition from the local Tuareg tribes, who view the project as a threat to their land and way of life. As tensions escalate, Hardigan and his team find themselves caught in a dangerous conflict, navigating the harsh desert terrain and the cultural divide between European ambitions and indigenous resistance.
