In 1751, seventeen-year-old David Balfour, son of a poor country dominic in the forest of Ettrick has lost both parents. But father has left a mysterious letter sending him to the noble house of Shaws in the Scottish Port City of Crammond, where, according to the minister, he will receive his inheritance. But, when David arrives at the house of Shaws, he finds more mystery and intrigue than he bargained for. Kidnapped by brigands, he embarks on a long odyssey of shipwreck, sword fights, murder, and escape with the help of Scottish legend, Alan Stewart, on Balfour’s desperate quest to find his way home and claim his rightful inheritance.
Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson provides an interesting glimpse into this slice of Scottish history. This classic is for the experienced reader, for the text is filled with colloquialisms of the times and sophisticated language. The plot is somewhat predictable and pedestrian, and although a good read, Kidnapped falls short of Stevenson’s stellar, Treasure Island. Be sure to skip the preface and jump right into chapter one.
Age Range: 11 and up
Genre: Historical, Action Adventure
Published in 1886
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