A review by hellsbellsells
The Coral Island by R.M. Ballantyne

2.0

The unrealistic, rose-tinted imperialistic lens through which this entire story is told makes it hard to take any enjoyment from it. That the characters possess the required knowledge to make use of all the resources the island just so happens to have in abundance for any and all of their needs is simply unbelievable - much like their lack of conflict or tension in their relationships with each other and their situation. The overt themes of racism, sexism and religion-with-agenda I find far too shocking and obvious for any modern reader to tolerate. It only serves as the original basis to see what William Golding's 'The Lord Of The Flies' is later written to mock/correct post WWII.