Scan barcode
A review by rubygranger
The Coral Island by R.M. Ballantyne
3.0
This book was one of the first children's books for boys -- you can definitely see it setting the tradition of Treasure Island, and drawing on those from Gulliver's Travels. It was fast-paced and engaging and there were some lovely descriptions of their island. Also a striking focus on rationalising and scientifically analysing aspects of the island (in the tradition of the Enlightenment period).
The second half was, however, very difficult to read because it is so incredibly racist. The second half of this book is effectively a propagandistic call for missionaries to go and convert indigenous people. The language and narrative of this is disturbing, especially when you know that this material was being given to young and impressionable children...
The second half was, however, very difficult to read because it is so incredibly racist. The second half of this book is effectively a propagandistic call for missionaries to go and convert indigenous people. The language and narrative of this is disturbing, especially when you know that this material was being given to young and impressionable children...