Kidnapped (Bantam Classics)

Originally written as a boy's adventure novel, modern readers will probably consider it more a book for adults. My father gave it to me when I was eight, after I'd read _Treasure Island_, and I disliked it then immensely, put off by the lack of plot movement, the Scots dialect, and the total absence of pirates. Re-reading it now on the Kindle, I admit it's a lot more enjoyable, partly because the Kindle's dictionary helps translate some of the Scots dialect, partly because I'm a more mature reader. The plot is fairly straightforward (skip this paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers): Our Hero, David Balfour, is tricked out of his rightful inheritance by an evil uncle, shanghaied, shipwrecked, partnered with a historical figure (one Alan Breck Stewart) and caught up in the events of an unsolved historical mystery (the "Appin Murder"). The body of the novel is a day-by-day description of their flight through the Scottish highlands, on the run from the Redcoat troops searching them out. Overall, the novel succeeds in creating some degree of tension and suspense, especially in the first half or so, with some classic melodrama elements. The latter half of the novel drags a bit, though, and would probably be less appealing to younger readers and more enjoyable for readers more interested in Stevenson's prose style. There is a great deal of Scots dialect, but the most obscure words are footnoted and some (but not all) of the less-obscure words are in the Kindle's dictionary. Overall, I'd recommend this highly to a fan of books like Sir Walter Scott's _Waverly_ or _Rob Roy_, or to anyone who had a particular love of historical fiction set in the 18th-century scottish highlands. There is a sequel, written by Stevenson, with the alternate titles of _David Balfour_ and _Catriona_. Those wishing more information about the "Appin Murder" can find a chapter discussing it in Andrew Lang's "Historical Mysteries" (also available as a free Kindle download).

Review first published on jenasbookreviews.blogspot.com David Balfour had led a fairly sheltered life so it was surprising to him when his parents died that his uncle instead of taking him in as family should rightfully do instead sold him off to a ship bound for another land. When the ship takes on another passenger, Alan, and David hears of plans to kill that passenger for his money, he decides to take a stand with Alan and together they are able to defeat the leaders but then end up shipwrecked on the rocks in a part of Scotland that David is unfamiliar with and where Alan is a wanted man. David must follow the clues to find Alan and a way home through Scotland with his head still intact. Much easier said than done. Read this for a high school English class with my 16yr old as part of his Hero's Journey studies. The story was fairly simple but I will admit that a bit more knowledge of the revolution that was going on in Scotland and England at the time would have helped me understand more of the characters interactions better I think. Reading the Scottish brogue was not my son's favorite part and I'm thankful to have enough of an acquaintance with it that I didn't find it distracting from the story.

I had originally read Treasure Island, and thought that was fantastic. So then I notice Kidnapped on Amazon, and realized I hadn't read that one, so I got it and was blown away. Other reviews here explain the plot which is great, but the reading keeps you on the edge of your seat, the entire way through. It is just an amazing piece of suspense writing, and so realistic down to every detail. I highly recommend the Whispersync audio version which was narrated by a fantastic reader. I used this when I was in the kitchen making dinner or something when I couldn't hold my Kindle Fire. The book was so irresistible, I had to go through it from beginning to end and Whispersync audio worked perfectly. If you are a writer, I think that this book would have to go on your list of must read books to help you learn the craft of good description, simple story line, characterization and suspense. I plan to listen to it again on my next long car ride playing my Kindle through my car speakers. As a parent, I'd make sure my teens and pre-teens were exposed to this kind of exciting literature right away. I give it a highly recommend.

The story is slower than modern novels but the pacing mirrors the plot -- a long, dramatic journey to manhood and the collecting of its bona fides. Younger readers may not have the patience for this RLS novel but it is an easier read than Treasure Island. No inscrutable pirate lingo! Good to have an idea of Scotts English dialect, example "didnae" is "did not."

I had never even heard of this book until I finished reading "Treasure Island" and liked it so much I sought out more books by Robert Louis Stevenson. This book seems originally to have been marketed as a "boy's adventure story," but it is so much more. Frankly, I can't see a youngster understanding what is taking place. There is a whole history of Scottish cultural suppression that I was unaware of, and the protagonist in this book finds himself right in the middle of it. The cadence of the language (there's a smattering of Gaelic-light here and there) ends up sticking in your head after you put the book down, which always signals to me that the writing is spot-on. The story is fast-paced and stays involving until the last page. I found that researching a bit about the Appin Murder on Google helped explain what was going on in the last chapters. So some (to me) new-found history together with a good story--makes for a great book all around.

I came to this with very little foreknowledge and left with a desire to learn more about Scottish history. Stiring stuff, with skulduggery, derring-do and characters never to be forgotten. I did feel that the story lagged a little in the middle, with wandering reminiscent of the Jews in the wilderness. However, I was deeply moved with David’s plight when he found himself marooned. I enjoyed reading the Scots accented dialogue which gave it an air of mystery as well as antiquity. A great read.

Reading is a luxury and everyone can't have it. Timeless tale of an adventure from an era that had a printing press as the greatest invention.

I love this book. I remember the story from the 1970's TV mini-series, which I loved in my youth. But I rediscovered it recently when I found it on the BBC Sounds Audio Books section where the reader Kenny Blyth was outstanding and brought the adventure alive through his love of the old-Scots language. But the book has even more to offer, as your own imagination creates the dramatic scenes, such as the cruel uncle, the sword fight, the shipwreck, the running for dear life, the lochs, the bonny becks and mountains, and all the interesting characters along the way. This rip roaring adventure is more than just a children's story, for the Scottish dialect and language in Robert Louis Stevenson's hands is beautiful. The bond of brotherhood in adversity between David Balfour and Alan Brek brings a tear to your eyes. Its a really good adventure, and, its based around true events in Scottish/English history, so you learn something too. Give it a ride. You won't be disappointed.

Kidnapped is a classic adventure story. More than once has this fast-paced, swashbuckling thriller been the basis for a movie or tv-series. This audiobook Kidnapped (Classic Collection (Brilliance Audio)) , read in a moderate, easy to follow scots accent, brings the story to live. Highly recommended!

I loved this! It's a great story about survival, adventure,( a bit of violence but not gruesome,) loyalty and friendship. The sequel is even better. A classic for good reason!