Saturday, August 2, 2014

Treasure Island: 3 Stars

Treasure Island
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Before reading this book, I already knew most of the plot details, thanks the the Disney film I grew up watching.  Given that this movie came out over 30 years before I was born, many of you may not be as familiar with it. Well, I decided to look up and see where the young Jim Hawkins was now, perhaps finding he was in a movie someone may recognize. Turns out, young Bobby Driscoll lived a tragic life. After becoming a child star, Bobby's life became rocky as jobs didn't come as easily but drugs did. He died at the young age of 31, found in an abandoned building. Unable to identify him, he was buried as a John Doe. Nineteen months after his body was found, his mother sought after him, trying to reunite him with his dying father.  Such a tragic end, and I can't watch the movie the same anymore. 

Anyhow, back to the book! 

Young Jim Hawkins works in an inn with his father, when an old pirate known as "the captain" arrives, paying Jim to keep lookout for other pirates. Two come, scaring "the captain" who ends up dying from a stroke, leaving behind a chest for Jim. In the chest is a map. With the help of a man name Trelawney, Jim joins a crew to go find this treasure, lead by Long John Silver, a pirate that might not be trustworthy. Adventure begins! 

The movie actually followed the book pretty closely and the plot was very close to accurate.  That took away from some of the fun of reading, since I already knew what was going to happen. On occasion, I found the book to be just a smidge boring, but that is due to it being a bit dated (it was written in 1883 after all). 

But at the end of the day it was a fun book and I enjoyed it.  Also, the audiobook was read by Alfred Molina and he did a marvelous job! 

Rating: PG

Recommended for those who like children's books, adventure, pirates, and action.




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