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maali92's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
stephibabes's review against another edition
3.0
I quite enjoyed this in the end, but it took me a while to get into it. The thing that was initially jarring and acting as a bit of a barrier was how so many aspects of the book are throughout so many contemporary popular culture depictions of buccaneers and pirates. It was almost off putting because my mind would wander to where I had seen or heard these things. The answer was everywhere!
However, I got over this and realised that actually what I was reading was incredibly culturally significant and gave way to all kinds of things that have almost become to be thought of as tropes. Once I relented and got into the hunt and quest I enjoyed it as a little jolly.
I listened to this on a free trial of Audible (won't be keeping it after the trial).
However, I got over this and realised that actually what I was reading was incredibly culturally significant and gave way to all kinds of things that have almost become to be thought of as tropes. Once I relented and got into the hunt and quest I enjoyed it as a little jolly.
I listened to this on a free trial of Audible (won't be keeping it after the trial).
cassiakarin's review against another edition
3.0
Have you ever watched the Olympic Games from many decades ago? Reading this book felt to me just a bit like that. Often feats that the olympians achieved in the past look to our modern eyes as “easy” or silly. This is because, of course, achievements of today have been built upon the accomplishments of past successes. This pirate tale is less pirate-ee, less gruesome, less complex, and somewhat less fun than much of the pirate tales of today, but he was the first, and for that I had great respect and appreciation for it. Though, I didn’t personally like it much.
One thing that was so impressive to me was realizing that Robert Louis Stevenson saw something in his society that was likely abhorred and despised: piracy. Yet he did not look past them and separate himself from them, but rather looked deeper, deep enough to create characters that are trademarked “pirates” today. He saw characters and story in a realm of society that most people would want nothing to do with, and with that endeavor he was able to open up that world to the rest of us to expand, explore, and enjoy.
Recommended by: “10 Masterpieces You Must Read Before You Die”
One thing that was so impressive to me was realizing that Robert Louis Stevenson saw something in his society that was likely abhorred and despised: piracy. Yet he did not look past them and separate himself from them, but rather looked deeper, deep enough to create characters that are trademarked “pirates” today. He saw characters and story in a realm of society that most people would want nothing to do with, and with that endeavor he was able to open up that world to the rest of us to expand, explore, and enjoy.
Recommended by: “10 Masterpieces You Must Read Before You Die”
mrwizard1234's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Not one occurrence of the name "Jimbo"
xxtober's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
kjpollard71's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
This is the classic Pirate story, with all the phrases and language we associate with pirates...mostly due to this book. Was not my favorite tale, but the writing was descriptive and typical of the time.
mychemicalseal's review against another edition
3.0
less exciting than references to it made it seem. not particularly thrilling or exciting.
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
It's hard to tell what is a spoiler any more because of how enduring and influential Treasure Island has been. Thus, I will give you a warning now that this may/does contain spoilery information.
I can't believe I forgot how much I love Treasure Island. When I tell you I was obsessed in elementary school. I read it as part of a class reading assignment in the 4th grade. At one point I had like 4 copies of it. I used to be able to quote it at will, that's how deep I was.
Reading it again now brought all those feelings back. I might put it in my comfort read rotation with Alice in Wonderland and a few choice others.
It's a fairly straightforward pirate tale. Jim Hawkins is a kid who gets roped into a wild sea faring adventure after a dodgy pirate patron of his family's inn dies quite suddenly.
The book is separated into a few parts - how the principal players came to find out about Treasure Island, the voyage to the island, and what happened there. I think there is another one but I can't recall what it is and the above should be a sufficient enough summary anyways. Jim is joined by Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney and Captain Smollet.
What is intended to be a simple if not a little laborious trip to acquire a hitherto lost treasure of the great pirate Captain Flint, becomes a battle for their very lives once the true intentions of the crew is exposed. They have to use the full breadth of their wits and cunning to get out off the island alive let alone the treasure they sought out.
It's a fun romp. For being published in the late 19th century it wasn't too dense writing wise. I knew what was going on almost 100% of the time. There were sometimes some colloquialisms I didn't understand but that's to be expected given how our language has evolved. Jim is a spirited storyteller which is never made more clear than when he takes a break for Dr. Livesey to recount an occasion he was not present for. The twists aren't twist-y to me any more, but I do think that they still hold up if you are not particularly familiar with the source material.
That being said the book does not rely on twists in the manner you're probably thinking. The twists aren't like shocking revelations. They're more like unexpected spokes in the wheel. I doubt you'll be edge-of-your-seat-bamboozled as this isn't a thriller by any means.
I clearly highly recommend it. It's the pirate story that started it all in many respects. How could you not want to give a try?
I can't believe I forgot how much I love Treasure Island. When I tell you I was obsessed in elementary school. I read it as part of a class reading assignment in the 4th grade. At one point I had like 4 copies of it. I used to be able to quote it at will, that's how deep I was.
Reading it again now brought all those feelings back. I might put it in my comfort read rotation with Alice in Wonderland and a few choice others.
It's a fairly straightforward pirate tale. Jim Hawkins is a kid who gets roped into a wild sea faring adventure after a dodgy pirate patron of his family's inn dies quite suddenly.
The book is separated into a few parts - how the principal players came to find out about Treasure Island, the voyage to the island, and what happened there. I think there is another one but I can't recall what it is and the above should be a sufficient enough summary anyways. Jim is joined by Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney and Captain Smollet.
What is intended to be a simple if not a little laborious trip to acquire a hitherto lost treasure of the great pirate Captain Flint, becomes a battle for their very lives once the true intentions of the crew is exposed. They have to use the full breadth of their wits and cunning to get out off the island alive let alone the treasure they sought out.
It's a fun romp. For being published in the late 19th century it wasn't too dense writing wise. I knew what was going on almost 100% of the time. There were sometimes some colloquialisms I didn't understand but that's to be expected given how our language has evolved. Jim is a spirited storyteller which is never made more clear than when he takes a break for Dr. Livesey to recount an occasion he was not present for. The twists aren't twist-y to me any more, but I do think that they still hold up if you are not particularly familiar with the source material.
That being said the book does not rely on twists in the manner you're probably thinking. The twists aren't like shocking revelations. They're more like unexpected spokes in the wheel. I doubt you'll be edge-of-your-seat-bamboozled as this isn't a thriller by any means.
I clearly highly recommend it. It's the pirate story that started it all in many respects. How could you not want to give a try?
jmarinarenee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75