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A review by mat_tobin
The Coral Island by R.M. Ballantyne
3.0
Written in 1858, when the Empire was still at its height and a few years before the American Civil War, Scottish writer, R.M.Ballantyne wrote what appears to be one of the first novels for children (try not to think of children in its modern conception) which featured only teenagers (or young adults). It is, without doubt, very much of its time and could not be read seriously within the classroom setting. It could, perhaps, we read and analysed as a cultural artifact and as a lens from which to view British perceptions of other cultures and faiths.
This is a coming-of-age novel which finds itself still deeply rooted in the need to celebrate Empire, Christian faith as the answer to all problems and its supremacy to all other faiths and cultures (this is the reason why you couldn't read it seriously within a school setting). On saying this, it was, in fact, a precursor to and muse for William Golding's [b:Lord of the Flies|7624|Lord of the Flies|William Golding|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327869409s/7624.jpg|2766512] and therefore, in that respect, offers an interesting insight into Golding's own ideologies.
Set mainly in the South Pacific islands, the story tells of three teenage boys who find themselves marooned on an island; the sole survivors of a shipwreck. Using little cunning or guile they seem to survive incredibly well on the fruits that God provides them with. It is up to the children though to use their cunning of strength of faith to outwit and fight off cannibals, sharks and invading pirates.
I suppose that it could be argued that it is, rather like [b:The Secret Garden|2998|The Secret Garden|Frances Hodgson Burnett|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327873635s/2998.jpg|3186437], ahead of its time. In a time when fiction for children was mean to be overtly didactic, here is a novel for boys, written from a boy's perspective and, although very clear in terms of the rules of living under an Imperialistic flag, it is a book for boys and not for parents to read and preach to boys.
I can't say that I enjoyed it. Its depiction of native South Pacific islanders made for an uncomfortable read and the influence of Christianity is a forceful one. Yet, it is not without its excitement and adventures and, I think, could offer a very interesting discussion around what it is telling us about the cultural identity of the British people (and children) during this time. On saying this, it should be read with caution - there are graphic and deeply upsetting scenes throughout which could almost rival McCarthy's [b:The Road|6288|The Road|Cormac McCarthy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439197219s/6288.jpg|3355573]
This is a coming-of-age novel which finds itself still deeply rooted in the need to celebrate Empire, Christian faith as the answer to all problems and its supremacy to all other faiths and cultures (this is the reason why you couldn't read it seriously within a school setting). On saying this, it was, in fact, a precursor to and muse for William Golding's [b:Lord of the Flies|7624|Lord of the Flies|William Golding|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327869409s/7624.jpg|2766512] and therefore, in that respect, offers an interesting insight into Golding's own ideologies.
Set mainly in the South Pacific islands, the story tells of three teenage boys who find themselves marooned on an island; the sole survivors of a shipwreck. Using little cunning or guile they seem to survive incredibly well on the fruits that God provides them with. It is up to the children though to use their cunning of strength of faith to outwit and fight off cannibals, sharks and invading pirates.
I suppose that it could be argued that it is, rather like [b:The Secret Garden|2998|The Secret Garden|Frances Hodgson Burnett|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327873635s/2998.jpg|3186437], ahead of its time. In a time when fiction for children was mean to be overtly didactic, here is a novel for boys, written from a boy's perspective and, although very clear in terms of the rules of living under an Imperialistic flag, it is a book for boys and not for parents to read and preach to boys.
I can't say that I enjoyed it. Its depiction of native South Pacific islanders made for an uncomfortable read and the influence of Christianity is a forceful one. Yet, it is not without its excitement and adventures and, I think, could offer a very interesting discussion around what it is telling us about the cultural identity of the British people (and children) during this time. On saying this, it should be read with caution - there are graphic and deeply upsetting scenes throughout which could almost rival McCarthy's [b:The Road|6288|The Road|Cormac McCarthy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439197219s/6288.jpg|3355573]