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A review by maryehavens
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Abandoning at 56% and calling it done. I don't usually consider books I abandon as "finished" but I don't think the remaining 44% is going to be different than what I have already read.
The "Swiss Family Robinson" has an interesting history. Apparently, there is an original out there somewhere but the "current" version has been added on to so many times that it's difficult to find (?). That's the impression I got from my limited research. I downloaded a 13 hour version after I saw that Librivox had a variety of lengths (now I can't see that - they just have the time for the intros. IDK).
I remember seeing a paperback version that my dad owned. It was abridged and I scoffed at that. In general, I want to read the entire book but knowing the history of this book, I should have read the abridged paperback!! :D
I am a huge fan of the Disney "Swiss Family Robinson" with all those Disney actors: that kid from "Shaggy Dog", that little kid from "Pollyanna", the cute guy from "Hawaii 5-0". I don't remember any of their names. The movie followed the book fairly closely in the beginning. I didn't get to a part where Roberta or the pirates may or may not have shown up (I don't think those movie plot points are part of the book although, apparently "savages" show up later on).
The book was good but it just went on forever. I still had over 5 hours and it just seemed like the author or editor could add on new adventures and challenges forever. And I had a new book arrive from the library, etc.
I feel like I gave it a good go and got the idea. I can see how an abridged version would be perfect, especially for younger readers.
The "Swiss Family Robinson" has an interesting history. Apparently, there is an original out there somewhere but the "current" version has been added on to so many times that it's difficult to find (?). That's the impression I got from my limited research. I downloaded a 13 hour version after I saw that Librivox had a variety of lengths (now I can't see that - they just have the time for the intros. IDK).
I remember seeing a paperback version that my dad owned. It was abridged and I scoffed at that. In general, I want to read the entire book but knowing the history of this book, I should have read the abridged paperback!! :D
I am a huge fan of the Disney "Swiss Family Robinson" with all those Disney actors: that kid from "Shaggy Dog", that little kid from "Pollyanna", the cute guy from "Hawaii 5-0". I don't remember any of their names. The movie followed the book fairly closely in the beginning. I didn't get to a part where Roberta or the pirates may or may not have shown up (I don't think those movie plot points are part of the book although, apparently "savages" show up later on).
The book was good but it just went on forever. I still had over 5 hours and it just seemed like the author or editor could add on new adventures and challenges forever. And I had a new book arrive from the library, etc.
I feel like I gave it a good go and got the idea. I can see how an abridged version would be perfect, especially for younger readers.