Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Classic Adventure. 352 Pages. 4 Stars
Synopsis:
For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers.
Written by a superb prose stylist, a master of both action and atmosphere, the story centers upon the conflict between good and evil – but in this case a particularly engaging form of evil. It is the villainy of that most ambiguous rogue Long John Silver that sets the tempo of this tale of treachery, greed, and daring.
Designed to forever kindle a dream of high romance and distant horizons, Treasure Island is, in the words of G. K. Chesterton, “the realization of an ideal, that which is promised in its provocative and beckoning map; a vision not only of white skeletons but also green palm trees and sapphire seas.”
G. S. Fraser terms it “an utterly original book” and goes on to write: “There will always be a place for stories like Treasure Island that can keep boys and old men happy.”
My Review:
My introduction to this classic was the phenomenal retelling, Treasure Planet. Honestly, I have to admit, I adore Treasure Planet and it’s still my favorite. But it was high time I finally read the original book.
I love the pure adventure of this story. Y’all know I’m a sucker for pirate stories, and this is the classic pirate adventure. From the mysterious intro with the Captain in the Hawkins’ inn to the world of intrigue and treasure hunting our hero Jim is thrust into, this story is all that an adventure reader could want. I also love that it’s a great story for boys. There’s a thread of human decency and nobility, fighting for what is upstanding, amid the craze of gold and a lawless life.
The sea journey is a blast, and the island is a wild land brimming with mystery. Ben is such a classic character, and one of my favorites! Silver has had such an impact on the genre. Reading this almost felt like going into Dracula knowing all the twists and turns beforehand. It’s almost a cheat! I can only imagine what it might have been like going into this story blind. The twists and turns and wondering which character was on which side and how it would all turn out.
A fantastic story from start to finish that I would definitely recommend. Some adventure violence, no romance, and no foul language. There’s a fair bit of rum and drinking, but again pirate story. I’d feel fine giving this to a preteen.
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If you liked this, you may also like:
The False Prince, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, The Hobbit, Oathbound, Moss Forest Orchid, The Wild Robot, The Magician’s Nephew, or Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key