49 pages • 1 hour read •
Treasure Island
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1700s
1883
Kingfisher
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel where 17-year-old Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map left by a deceased sea captain at his family's inn. Jim, the local doctor, and the squire set sail to find the treasure, but soon learn their crew plans mutiny, led by the dangerous Long John Silver. Battles between the pirates and the loyal crew unfold on Treasure Island, involving treacherous actions and strategic maneuvers. The novel features violence and death.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Exciting
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
521,206 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stevenson's Treasure Island is celebrated for its thrilling plot, memorable characters, and vivid depiction of adventure on the high seas. Readers praise the novel's enduring appeal and influence on pirate lore. However, some critique it for dated language and slow pacing in parts. Overall, it's a timeless classic that captivates both young and adult audiences.
Who Should Read Treasure Island?
Readers who relish high seas adventure, treasure hunts, and classic tales of piracy will love Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. Similar to fans of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, they seek thrilling escapades and timeless storytelling, appreciating 19th-century literary style and vivid characters.
521,206 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Long John Silver
Long John Silver
An intelligent and charismatic sea cook on the Hispaniola, who has a wooden leg and carries a parrot on his shoulder. He is revealed to be the leader of the pirates.
Captain Smollett
Captain Smollett
The disciplined and knowledgeable captain of the Hispaniola, hired by the squire. He is respected for his calm and orderly demeanor, especially during crises.
Dr. Livesey
Dr. Livesey
A neat and respectable gentleman with bright black eyes, who remains disciplined and dedicated throughout the novel. His intelligence and commitment to the law make him a key leader among the honest men.
Squire Trelawney
Squire Trelawney
The doctor's right-hand man known for his quick temper and enthusiasm for adventure. Despite initial arguments, he becomes instrumental in supporting the crew, especially as a marksman.
Ben Gunn
Ben Gunn
A marooned man on Treasure Island with shabby clothes who has been living alone for three years. He plays a crucial role in aiding the honest men's efforts against the pirates.
The Old Sea Captain
The Old Sea Captain
A prototypical seaman in Part 1 who loves rum, pirate songs, and tales of the sea. His possession of a treasure map sets the story into motion.
Israel Hands
Israel Hands
A pirate Jim encounters on the Hispaniola. He attacks Jim but is ultimately confronted and overpowered by him.
Treasure Island was originally serialized in the children's magazine Young Folks under the title "The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys" before being published as a book in 1883.
The idea for Treasure Island came to Robert Louis Stevenson during a rainy family holiday when he sketched an imaginary map of an island, sparking the story's adventure.
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The iconic character of Long John Silver was inspired by Stevenson's real-life friend, the poet and editor William Ernest Henley, who had a wooden leg and a strong, vibrant personality.
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304
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1700s
1883
Kingfisher
YA
10-14 years
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