A review by brandypainter
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

1.0

Wasted potential are the words that most aptly describe this book. A family is shipwrecked and must survive on an island with only each other for support. It should have been a great adventure story. Instead the reader is treated to page after page of monotony. Even the scenes that should have sparked interest were dull and completely lifeless. The characters are obnoxiously perfect. The father knows everything there is to know about everything and accomplishes herculean tasks (like bridge building) in one day. The mother is amazingly well versed in the art of outdoor cooking and whips up a homecooked meal the first night they are on the island. The children never complain and are always eager to have more work put on their shoulders. And where on this planet can you find tigers, lions, bears, kangaroos, boa constricters, and a herd of buffalo residing all on the same island? It is completely unbelievable and not in a fun adventure story kind of way. I would recommend reading something else.