Hi!
As our »Time travel through literature« continues we want to review the book »Robinson Crusoe« written by Daniel Defoe and published in 1719. It tells the story of a sailor who has to stay on an abandoned island after a shipwreck. The novel became world-famous and Defoe is said to be one of the founders of the English novel.
»Robinson Crusoe« was the first novel to be published by Defoe when he was already 59 years old. The original title was »The Life and Strange Surprizing
Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and
Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the Coast of
America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been
cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but himself.
With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver'd by Pirates.
Written by Himself.« The book was followed by many other adventure stories.
»It is never too late to be wise.«
»Thus fear of danger is ten thousand times
more terrifying than danger itself.«
»Those people cannot enjoy comfortably
what God has given them because
they see and covet what He has not given them.
All of our discontents
for what we want
appear to me to spring from
want of thankfulness for
what we have.«
The book tells the story of Robinson Crusoe who is the only survivor of a shipwreck in the Caribbean. He runs ashore on a small and abandoned island in the estuary of the Orinoco. He recovers some equipment from the wreck and starts to build up a new life. He builds a little fort, grows corn and raises wild goats. But he has to overcome many obstacles for example illness, loneliness and the scantiness of the land. After some time he gets used to it and tries to make the best out of his situation. But he never really feels safe because he finds tracks which raise fears that he is not alone on the island. His fears are right and one day he has to save a man who is about to flee from cannibals. Robinson Crusoe helps the indigene who becomes his friend and servant. He names him Friday in remembrance of the day he rescued him. Together, the two have many adventures but Robinson Crusoe always dreams of going home again.
The protagonist Robinson Crusoe is very intelligent and brave. That's why he manages to survive in the wilderness for such a long time. The reader definitely gets to see a character development which is very interesting. During his life on the island Robinson Crusoe becomes religious and learns to appreciate the small things. His friend Friday always helps him and is very loyal. Together they make a good team!
We have loved this book since we were only 9 years old and still find it amazing! The story is so fascinating and became the embodiment of adventure for many people. Therefore we have dreamed a lot about being on an uncharted tropical island (but without any cannibals, please). We would recommend the book to everybody who likes dreaming of adventures and a life in the wilderness. The story is quite realistic but for all that fantastic and adventurous!
I want to get lost and have adventures too! ~Gwen
I'll get lost in my dreams. ~Liv
source: Wikipedia