I read this book as a combination Kindle e-book as as an Audible audio book. Amazon now offers the combined service (free for selected Classic titles) which sync together using their Whispersync technology so that you can switch between devices without losing your place. This worked great for me, and I made sure to go back and pick up all the free titles I could. Once I've made it through those, I just may fork over some cash for more.
So, back to the story. This must have been an amazing read for young boys in the late 1800s. I'm guessing the hero, Jim Hawkins, to be at most 13 years old. As the book starts, he is working in his family's dreary inn, his father is dying and his mother is kind of a nut. But, one slightly deranged but dangerous pirate takes a room in their inn, and Jim's life is forever changed. He finds himself running from pirates, surrounded by pirates, then on a voyage to get a pirate treasure. Is there a better adventure for a young boy to imagine? There are some violent parts, of course, but not gruesome... and there are moments of sentimentality to counterbalance the fighting.
Did I love this book? No, I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable. I probably would have enjoyed it more when I was younger. I did like some of the smaller details that point to the time period though - like the methods used by the doctor when practicing medicine. I am glad I actually read this, finally, but I seriously doubt I'd spend the time to reread this one.
*****
Treasure Island
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Public Domain Book, first published 1882
183 pages
Source: Kindle, Audible
Audio Book Narrated by Alfred Molina
*****
Links for purchase:
Shop Your Indie Bookstore!
Amazon
The Book Depository
-----
6 comments:
It's kinda ridiculous that I've never read this! I do have it on my Classics Club list so I'll get to it eventually. Even if it isn't the best book in the world it's just one that you have to read right? ;)
I actually haven't read this. I think I should -- and your review makes me think so too. Thanks.
It sounds like a movie title or something. Haha!! Well, I'm not so into classic..but this sounds good.
CJ @ CoffeeNCrackers
My Latest Review
My Latest Post
Well, it's got fewer than 200 pages, so it can't be worse than Robinson Crusoe ;) J/k. It's moments like this that I regret not having a Kindle but a Kobo. I'd love a combination of e-book and Audible audiobook to sync so you can choose to switch at any time!
Looking at the comments above, it seems that we need a read-along for this book :D
I have this book, and I started to read this book, but I never finished it. Mostly because because my English teacher gave us another Classic to read. But, what really surprised me was how easily readable Treasure Island was. I wasn't overwhelmed by the stuffy language, and I thought it was nicely paced even though I stopped fairly early on. It's definitely a novel that I would like to revisit.
Treasure Island for me is a re-read which I am currently doing on Kindle. I am loving every minute of it, as I revisit scenes I had forgotten completely about.
Post a Comment