Reviews for Treasure Island

The average rating for Treasure Island based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-01-17 00:00:00 Matthew MASON Someone recently asked me what review I enjoyed writing the most, and, well, this is it: I have a massive problem with this book. It's one I'm a little embarrassed to admit. The problem is not with the writing or the characters that Stevenson has created; it's not even with the plot. The problem resides with Kermit the Frog. (Stay with me here!) I grew up watching the muppets. I became slightly obsessed with them. I kind of wanted to join them. So, whenever I read about Captain Smollett and Long John Silver all I can see is Kermit fighting Tim Curry! Therefore, I just can't take this book seriously. Well, at least not completely. The Muppet Treasure Island is such a great film; it's hilarious. This book was much more serious. The pirates in here aren't singing toys; they're hardened criminals that created the pirate stereotype. They're the sort of men you don't want on your ship because they'd likely cut your throat in your sleep. They might wake you up first if they're feeling kind. So, they wouldn't try and gain your trust by singing you a jolly song about piracy, like Tim and his muppet mates would. But, muppet based comparison aside, this is a good novel. I did quite enjoy it. It all begins when the young Jim Hawkins comes across a map for buried treasure, except he hasn't got any money to fund the voyage. He Gonzo and Rizzo goes alone and seeks the help of Fozzie Bear Squire Trelawney. As a member of the Victorian gentry, he takes the map for himself with the intention of filling his own coffers with the loot. He's not a very nice bear guy, and he's not overly intelligent either. In his frugality he accidently hires a group of twisted muppets pirates that, unsurprisingly, mutiny against him. This all sounds terrible, I know. But, it's not all bad because the ship's captain is none other than Kermit the Frog Captain Smollett who is absolutely in love with Miss Piggy no one. Indeed, Smollett is in direct contrast to the money driven Fozzie Trelawney because he is everything he is not; he is brave and honourable; he is completely true to his word. He is competing, unknowingly, for the attention of Jim. The young boy is looking for a farther figure, and in Silver and Smollett he sees two potential role models, and two potential life choices. It all works out in the end though because this is a muppet movie adventure book after all. In all seriousness, it is an exciting book. But, for me, that's all it is. There are no hidden motives or dark secrets. Everything is straight forward, clean cut and simple. It is a nice easy read. Stevenson's masterpiece is most definitely The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. That's where the real mystery is at. But, it doesn't have muppets….. Facebook| Twitter| Insta| Academia

Review # 2 was written on 2016-06-02 00:00:00 James Mccomic 3 items worthy of note in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic treasure "Treasure Island": 1) There are a ton of tropes! We understand that this is pretty much what Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ripped off, making tons of money off of this adventurous classic, including but not limited to: rampant alcoholism; a code of honor; castaways (at sea or in land); shipwrecks (new and ancient); treason (group & individual) & double crosses; mutiny, hostages, captures and shocking escapes; strangers appearing from the mist & pirate flags; raresome slapstick comedy ("...[he] fell from his whole height face foremost to the floor." [16]) & good comedic timing (the parrot tells everybody The Secret, ruining plans); a compass made up entirely of human bones; & ghosts. 2)Jim Hawkins is your typical YA protagonist prototype. He's the go-between the two fighting groups, the one who bargains with the villain Long John Silver (mmm.... breaded fish and shrimp...yumm) and propels the narrative forward. He's the center; a dreamer; while he loses his humility he attains a coming-of-age wisdom that peaks at the point where he brandishes a pistol for the first time. 3)The plot resembles a Hollywood blockbuster. There is very little inaction, but when it occurs (such as the villain's cliched soliloquy or the factions grunting against their enemies) it does decelerate the pace of the story. Here is a very substantial urge to make everything explosive & loud. Thank you, Mr. Stevenson!