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cath_29 's review for:
Robinson Crusoe
by Daniel Defoe
Although I understand the importance of this work in its style of writing as one of the foundations of the modern novel, I could not say it was personally enjoyable.
Descriptions of how Crusoe survived on the island (creating his 'castle' and growing crops etc.,) were the highlight of the novel for me - they are very reminiscent of childhood days spent debating how you could survive on a desert island. Similarly, I enjoyed descriptions of adventure across the sea and the excitement and temptation provided by far off lands so different from life in England.
However, the writing style (again, I do not discredit the importance it has), was very tedious and meandering at times - often reading more like a religious text than a novel. I appreciate the influence Christianity had on thought, behaviour, and writing in England at the time, but this does not make his religious tirade any more interesting to read.
The worst part of the novel in my opinion, however, was the blatant racism throughout. Again, I understand it is a product of the time, but the treatment of people of colour (both as slaves when Crusoe creates his plantation, and as 'savages' when he arrives at the island) should make anyone reading in the 21st century severely uncomfortable. Notably, although Friday was treated better by Crusoe, this was because he was a slave to him - Crusoe taught him his society was wrong, Christianity was right, and that he should leave his family and society forever. In addition, there is an extensive paragraph explaining Friday is closer to a white man than other natives Crusoe has seen - further enhancing this racism. There are countless other incidences similar to this throughout the novel that make for severely uncomfortable reading - especially considering this is still held as a children's book in some cases.
I will reiterate that I understand it is a product of the time, but viewed from a the 21st century, it is an upsetting, offensive read frequently, and tedious and dull in between.
Descriptions of how Crusoe survived on the island (creating his 'castle' and growing crops etc.,) were the highlight of the novel for me - they are very reminiscent of childhood days spent debating how you could survive on a desert island. Similarly, I enjoyed descriptions of adventure across the sea and the excitement and temptation provided by far off lands so different from life in England.
However, the writing style (again, I do not discredit the importance it has), was very tedious and meandering at times - often reading more like a religious text than a novel. I appreciate the influence Christianity had on thought, behaviour, and writing in England at the time, but this does not make his religious tirade any more interesting to read.
The worst part of the novel in my opinion, however, was the blatant racism throughout. Again, I understand it is a product of the time, but the treatment of people of colour (both as slaves when Crusoe creates his plantation, and as 'savages' when he arrives at the island) should make anyone reading in the 21st century severely uncomfortable. Notably, although Friday was treated better by Crusoe, this was because he was a slave to him - Crusoe taught him his society was wrong, Christianity was right, and that he should leave his family and society forever. In addition, there is an extensive paragraph explaining Friday is closer to a white man than other natives Crusoe has seen - further enhancing this racism. There are countless other incidences similar to this throughout the novel that make for severely uncomfortable reading - especially considering this is still held as a children's book in some cases.
I will reiterate that I understand it is a product of the time, but viewed from a the 21st century, it is an upsetting, offensive read frequently, and tedious and dull in between.