"Kidnapped," written by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a historical adventure novel first published in 1886. The book is set in Scotland in the mid-18th century, amidst the aftermath of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It is a thrilling tale of adventure, political intrigue, and survival, focusing on the experiences of a young protagonist, David Balfour. The novel begins with David Balfour's father passing away, leaving David an orphan. Armed with a letter of introduction from his father, David sets out to find his uncle, Ebenezer ...
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"Kidnapped," written by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a historical adventure novel first published in 1886. The book is set in Scotland in the mid-18th century, amidst the aftermath of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It is a thrilling tale of adventure, political intrigue, and survival, focusing on the experiences of a young protagonist, David Balfour. The novel begins with David Balfour's father passing away, leaving David an orphan. Armed with a letter of introduction from his father, David sets out to find his uncle, Ebenezer Balfour, at the House of Shaws. David is shocked to discover that his uncle is a miserly and malevolent man living in a dilapidated mansion. Ebenezer, eager to keep David from claiming his inheritance, tricks him into boarding the ship "Covenant," where he is kidnapped and bound for the American colonies to be sold into slavery. However, the ship encounters a storm and picks up a survivor from a shipwreck, Alan Breck Stewart. David and Alan quickly become friends. When David learns of the captain's plan to kill Alan for his money, he warns him, and together they stage a revolt on the ship. The "Covenant" eventually wrecks off the coast of Scotland, and David and Alan are separated. David washes ashore and embarks on a perilous journey through the Scottish Highlands, facing various dangers and meeting colorful characters along the way. He reunites with Alan, and together they evade capture by government soldiers while plotting to expose his uncle's treachery and claim his inheritance. The novel concludes with David finally confronting his uncle with Alan's help. The novel combines elements of historical fiction with the structure of a coming-of-age adventure, making it appealing to readers of all ages. "Kidnapped" was well-received upon its publication and has since become a classic of English literature. Its blend of adventure, historical context, and compelling characters has ensured its lasting popularity.
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Add this copy of Kidnapped to cart. $22.43, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2024 by Double 9 Books.
Add this copy of Kidnapped to cart. $23.60, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Double 9 Books.
good classic book, my six year old grandson really enjoyed it.
Ed
Mar 3, 2011
beware..
This edition of the classic is abbreviated, the original language is modified; the book is much like those old stripped-down Reader's Digest versions.
If reading in haste, as for a school assignment, it would be barely adequate; if you wish to read the full tale as Stevenson wrote it, choose another version!
Tarissa
Apr 17, 2010
Great Scottish Tale
When the story begins, it finds a young man in Scotland, who is named David Balfour. He is seventeen years old, and he has lost both his parents. David is told to journey to the House of Shaws---this was his late father's wish. The House of Shaws in famous for its wealth. David, who comes from a somewhat poor family, cannot fathom the reason of why he must visit this mansion.
Once he sets foot on his way, he is met by shady strangers, and he never knows which ones to trust. David gets a ride that he didn't expect, and it ends in devastating tragedy. He is caught in a trap of secrets that he doesn't even understand himself, but he must (at all costs) keep quiet about what he knows. Otherwise, his life and his friend Alan Breck's life are at stake. These two new comrades, even when not in agreeable moods, must stick together if they are going to survive their trek through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.
I'd recommend "Kidnapped" to all ages over 13. During certain parts of the the story, it seemed to be harder to read because of the old English language being used. My copy of the book handily had a word glossary in the back. (and I used it frequently!!)
From the very first page, the story had me locked into it. Set sail with David Balfour, and be prepared for adventure, intrigue, and a surprise or two along the way.
