Treasure Island

It's probably blasphemous to fall short of loving a classic, but I'm afraid that's what I'm having to admit to in this instance.

In some sense, I can respect this book as one of the first coming-of-age tales. Bravery, honor, and courage are embodied in the character of Jim Hawkins, the young son of a humble innkeeper turned conspiracy-foiler and pirate-thwarter. It's a grand adventure, to be sure. One I'm sure many an adolescent boy has fantasized about since it's original publication.

Unfortunately for this reader, both the style and pacing came off as ponderous for much of the tale. As such, I can't honestly say I enjoyed the read overall. (But I will say I'm grateful for the book's numerous film adaptations.) Though the characterization led me to form little attachment to any characters but Jim, there was a curious appeal to Long John Silver. His charming charisma and vacillating loyalties made him something of an ingenious example of a smiling sociopath. You don't dare trust him, but it's difficult to hate him entirely. Few modern authors are able to achieve such a compellingly well-rounded villain. In that, the work is impressive to me. But I can't say it's quite enough to make me look forward to reading Stevenson's other works.

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

I like books that are current and contemporary, NOT written 200 years ago. So when my English teacher told us the next book we'd be reading is Treasure Island, I groaned along with the class. From page one, I already didn't like it. Even though it's fascinating how a book written 200 years ago is still read today, I didn't enjoy reading it. I couldn't wait to finish it, and it seemed to drag on and on. The characters, even the narrator, seemed like strangers. Even by the last page, I felt like I barely understood the protagonist, or better yet, what had happened. I don't recommend this book.

Reader reviewed by EshInoBi

Fifteen men on the dead man's chest-
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest-
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!


This book was fairly exciting at the beginning, but I gradually became bored. I did finish this book, but I wasn't completely satisfied with what I just read. I would recommend this book if you're willing to have some excitement as Jim Hawkins, the main character and narrator, goes from one place to another. This is a story of excitement, surpise. and deaths. Surely, you will love this!

Reader reviewed by Marietta

"Fifteen men on the dead man`s chest-Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!" Treasure Island is a tale of pirates and villains,maps,treasure and shipwreck,and is one the best adventure stories ever written.When young Jim Hawkins finds a packet in Captain Flint`s sea chest,he could not know that the map inside it would lead him to unimaginable treasure.Shipping as cabin boy on the Hispaniola,he sails with Squire Trelawney,Captain Smollet,Dr Livesey,the sinister Long John Silver and a frightening crew to Treasure Island.There,mutiny,murder and mayhem lead to a thrilling climax. A wonderful book for all of you, adventure lovers! Don't miss it!