Treasure Island. - Robert Louis Stevenson.
Synopsis.
Following the demise of a thirsty buccaneer Captain Flint, young Jim Hawkins finds himself with the key to a fortune. For he has discovered a map that will lead him to the fabled Treasure Island. But a host of villains, wild beasts and deadly savages stand between him and the stash of gold. Not to mention the most infamous pirates to ever sail the high seas...
Review.
I for one thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a real turn-paging classic, that excites the reader from start to finish. At a mere 302 pages, Stevenson manages to fit in more entertaining scenes, and more interesting, cunning characters, than most authors would manage to fit into a trilogy. Robert Louis Stevenson just gets that balance between characters and action, perfect. From the tap-tap-tapping of blind man Pew's stick as he reaches closer to where young Jack Hawkins hides, to the commanding voice of Captain Smollett as he shouts orders at the crew. Packed through with action and sword-swishing buccaneers, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced book, that is rich with twists and turns throughout.
9/10.
Some points to discuss. (Taken from the back of Puffin classics copy of Treasure Island.)
- Do you think Jim Hawkins changes through the novel, and if so, how?
- How do you think Jim Hawkins compares to modern characters such as Alex Rider, Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl?
- What do you think of Long John Silver?
- Why do you think Squire Trelawney and Dr Livesey believe they are more entitled to the treasure than Long John Silver is? Do you think they are right so?
- Why do you think Robert Louis Stevenson switches the narrator from Jim to Dr Livesey in chapters 16-18?