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A review of Kidnapped

by Robert Louis Stevenson

A young man struggles to regain his inheritance.

Reviewed by: Paul A. Paterson
About Paul A. Paterson

Kidnapped David Balfour arrives at his family seat to claim his rightful inheritance. Unfortunately, that task requires the removal of his devious Uncle Ebeneezer, a bitter, morally-bankrupt old man who has wriggled his way into the Balfour estate. To save his status, the uncle pays a ship captain to waylay young David and take him to New England to be sold into servitude. Onboard ship, David meets Alan Stewart, a Scottish highlander with a quick temper and quicker sword. The two are shipwrecked and land in the north of Scotland, and so begins David's quest to return home, reclaim his fortune and bring his uncle to justice.

Set in Scotland a decade or so after the 18th century rebellion against King George, Balfour's adventures are set against the backdrop of simmering political unrest. Balfour is loyal to the English King George. Stewart is a rebel wanted for insurrection by the crown. While the two come from different political and social states, Stevenson constructs their friendship based first on mutual need, then on mutual respect. Meanwhile, the trip gives Balfour a peek at life on the other side of the British crown, where the red-coated British soldiers are feared, not revered.

Stevenson creates compelling characters, and his portrayal of the political differences that existed in Scotland in the 1850's, create a universal and timeless theme. His narration during two particular sections -- the mutiny onboard ship, and Balfour's trip across a bridge and Red Coat checkpoint in disguise -- show why Stevenson is considered one the great writers of history, any why his works are mandatory reading in many schools. Kidnapped is suitable for anyone who appreciates the classics or likes historical fiction.

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Kidnapped

Copyright © by Paul A. Paterson, 2003

Reviewed by Paul A. Paterson:
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