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I think Robert Louis Stevenson, the author, was telling kids to know who to trust and not to just say hi to a guy and become their friend. He also wanted kids to be brave.

The reason I like this book is because it is and exciting story. There is lots of action and fighting. I got interested in the book and couldn't stop reading it.


I didn't like it at all   March 3, 2004
This book was very confusing at parts and very hard to understand maybe if Robert Louis Stevenson had spoken in plan english the book would have been a whole lot better. Even though I am sure this is an old book. I hope. :)


Kidnapped- an excellent book   March 3, 2004
I have always been an admirer of Robert Louis Stevenson's writings. His masterfully written books have never failed to captivate me. Usually rendering me unable to participate in anything other than the primitive tasks that are essential to my life and the life of others. Those of which included eating, sleeping, bathing and relieving myself of digested food.
No I'm just kidding, but whenever I read from Robert Louis Stevenson's works that book is always on the top of my to-do list. So you can imagine when I found a copy of Kidnapped in my father's study you can imagine how I must have felt. Here was a book from one of my favorites authors sitting on my father's bookshelf. My first reaction upon seeing it was to cover it with my shirt so as not to let anyone see it. Then after the adrenalin had started to ebb from my veins. I realized that this probably wouldn't be in his office if he hadn't already read it. So slowly, very slowly I took it out from under my shirt, turning my back to my father while doing so and quickly bolted for the door.
Once I arrived at my room I began to read. It was to say the least, an amazing book. It had everything Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island had. Such as, adventure, suspense, action and a completely original story line that was so well written that one was never sure of what would happen next.
To give you a taste of this book will provide a brief summary of it. Kidnapped is about a young man named David Balfour who goes to live with his uncle after his father dies. His uncle wanting to steal his inheritance has David kidnapped. While on his voyage onboard the Covenant,David befriends Alan Breck. Together these two friends are accused of murder and chased by British soldiers on their adventure. Don't miss out on this fantastic book, written by one of the best authors of this genre. If you miss out on this wonderful book, I can guarantee you will regret it.


A mediocre book   February 16, 2004
Kidnapped is not a book that everyone should read. It's the kind of book that only suits certain people. If you enjoy an adventurous book where a main character has to overcome many obstacles, read Kidnapped. The adventure starts off with a boy called David Balfour, whose father had just passed away. He sets off to claim his inheritance, but while doing so he meets his uncle. Unfortunately the uncle wants the inheritance too. This conflict results in David's uncle kidnapping him and sending him on a ship far away. During this journey he meets a new companion, Alan Breck. David and Alan go through a long, strenuous journey together surviving a shipwreck and witnessing a political killing.
I personally thought that this book was mediocre, nothing extravagant, but then again, nothing too boring. The beginning of the book really drew me in as a reader; we find out very early that something "fishy" could be going on. In addition I thought that the plot of this book was quite clever. It's an event (an uncle kidnapping his own nephew) that could very possibly happen in the present, but yet it is set back in the 1750's, where you would not think such a thing to happen. I also feel that the book moved awfully fast, so you always had to be super tuned into the book while you were reading lest you miss an important detail.
A downside of the book however is the old English that is used; it is quite hard to understand at times. The limited translations given at the bottom help a little, but not much. In addition I felt that there were some points in the book when it was just too dull, and not enough action going on.
Overall I thought that this book was quite entertaining for people who enjoy reading adventures. I personally didn't like it too much, but then again, I don't enjoy adventure and suspense that much. So perhaps this book will suit other people, I didn't like it because of genre preference.