Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson; narrated by Alfred Molina | 2007; originally published 1882 | Listening Library | Audiobook $ 12.99
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!
I blame the Muppets.
That’s why this book was on my to-read list: Muppet Treasure Island.
It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. Not just a favorite book-based movie, or favorite pirate movie, or favorite practical effects + puppets movie. A favorite, full stop. And yet, somehow, I’d never read the source material.
This is just a good thrilling romp! It’s a fast-paced adventure with lots of danger and drama and, well, pirates. I’m not sure what else to say about this book. It’s just fun. Something I’ve learned from my journey through my list through Classics Club, so far, is that I actually enjoy adventure novels way more than I previously assumed I would.
I’ll go ahead and admit that I preferred some of the changes made to the story for Muppet Treasure Island, but that doesn’t at all take away from my enjoyment of the book version.
This is the kind of classic book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to readers looking for a quick, exciting story of treasure hunting on the high seas.
Links:
- Author biography from the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
- Public domain at Project Gutenberg
- Robert Louis Stevenson digital collection from the National Library of Scotland
- Robert Louis Stevenson digital collection from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas at Austin
- Muppet Treasure Island at IMDb
Publication information: Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. New York, NY: Listening Library, 2007. Audiobook.
Source: Public library, via Libby.
Disclaimer: I am not compensated, monetarily or otherwise, for reviews of books or other products.
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