Pirate Treasure

Title: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
# pages: 224
Genre: classic
Challenge(s): Seafaring

Setting: off the coast of England

First Sentence: Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and the rest of the gentlemen having asked me to write down the whole particulars about Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearing of the island, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I take up my pen in he year of grace 17—, and go back to the time when my father kept the “Admiral Benbow” Inn, and the brown old seaman, with the saber cut, first took up his lodging under our roof.

Synopsis from B&N.com: The most popular pirate story ever written in English, featuring one of literature’s most beloved “bad guys,” Treasure Island has been happily devoured by several generations of boys—and girls—and grownups. Its unforgettable characters include: young Jim Hawkins, who finds himself owner of a map to Treasure Island, where the fabled pirate booty is buried; honest Captain Smollett, heroic Dr. Livesey, and the good-hearted but obtuse Squire Trelawney, who help Jim on his quest for the treasure; the frightening Blind Pew, double-dealing Israel Hands, and seemingly mad Ben Gunn, buccaneers of varying shades of menace; and, of course, garrulous, affable, ambiguous Long John Silver, who is one moment a friendly, laughing, one-legged sea-cook . . .and the next a dangerous pirate leader!

Reason for Reading: Should have read it long ago ;>).

Random Thoughts: Great adventure story. The old-fashioned language makes the story a little hard to get into, but with persistence it can be done and it is well worth it.

Favorite scene: When Jim cuts the anchor line and steals the ship from Israel Hands.

Rating: B (Recommended if you're looking for a good adventure story and you have the persistence to get past the language.)