Review Detail

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.