"Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson: Long before his name was attached to a chain of greasy fish restaurants or corrupted during sexual harassment trials, Long John Silver was the driving force behind one of literature's great adventures. Published in 1883, "Treasure Island" carried children of all ages into the swashbuckling excitement of the high seas, pitting good versus evil in pursuit of unspeakable riches. And who doesn't like looking for buried treasure? Although, I usually look for it at the bottom of a gin bottle.
The young son of an English innkeeper, Jim Hawkins has his life turned upside down when a mysterious stranger procures lodging, dominating the normally tranquil atmosphere with raucous tales and rum-induced songs of debauchery. Here's my favorite...
"Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest,
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"
It turns out the inn's new tenant is none other than Billy Bones, infamous pirate and all-around ne'er-do-well. Hoping to keep a low profile, Billy strikes somewhat of a friendship with Jim, paying the lad a small pittance to keep a watchful eye, particularly when it comes to men with one leg. While the dreaded one-legged man never does show, some of Billy's old friends come calling, and blood gets spilled. Jim takes charge of Billy's meager possessions, discovering a treasure map and a rollicking good adventure.
His father recently deceased and his mother far from sea-faring shape, Jim shows the map to his only other trusted adults, Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey. The supposedly mature, level- headed pair quickly catch treasure fever, and Squire Trelawney embarks to hire a ship and crew. It's not long before the treasure-hunting trio is setting sail for a remote island off the coast of South America, with a song in their hearts and money on their minds.
The ship's crew, featuring an affable cook named Long John Silver, seems capable enough, but Captain Smollett, a savvy old sea dog hired apart from the deck hands, has his doubts. He voices his concerns to Trelawney and Livesey, but it's too late to turn back. Greed waits for no man. Jim and the others put their trust in Captain Smollett, counting on his experience to lead them true. Really, what could go wrong? Oh, did I mention Long John Silver has a wooden leg? And the peg-legged pirate is certainly a memorable character, a sinister mix of fatherly compassion and buccaneer bravado, as likely to pat you on the back as he is to slice your throat. So, in that sense, he's a lot like his namesake restaurant's batter-fried fish and chicken, which are devilishly tasty but nutritionally destructive. Maybe it's just me, but I always think it's a red flag when your meal comes with french fries and a defibrillator.
Unless you're a 12-year-old contemplating a career in piracy, "Treasure Island" won't exactly change your life. There's nothing overwhelming in structure or storytelling, as it's a pretty straightforward account, with Jim narrating all but three of the chapters and Dr. Livesey handling the rest. And there's no hidden philosophy or deeper meaning lurking below the surface. Nope, this is just an adventure story, a simple, honest, exciting adventure yarn told with youthful exuberance and effortless skill. It may not be "The Brothers Karamazov," but it is flawless for what it is.
RATING: 