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).

This is one of his better books, with some strong characters and decent plot. David Balfour as the kidnapped heir, and Alan Breck as the companion outlaw, make an odd couple. However the plot premise is very dated and difficult to follow, as it was set in a very turbulent, secular and different Scotland than exists today. It's also a story that is not so much about the early kidnapping, but of the incredible journey of survival that takes David and Alan halfway across a barren and wild area of Scotland.Highly recommended as a very good read, even if it's not in the same class as Treasure Island.

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.

Interesting story, but you have to read into the language at times because the words are how they were pronounced in the old British Isles, and not particularly easy to interpret at times. Still I didn't find myself giving up on the book because following the death of David Balfour's father, and his uncle, whom he looked to for support, sold him into indentured servitude on a ship bound for the Carolinas, you just had to wonder how he was going to get out of this mess. Meeting up with highlander rebel Alan Breck Stewart becomes a blessing (sometimes a curse) in finding his way. I can only recommend if you like and easily read the old classics, you will like this one.

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.

My review is simple, you see if I’m right or wrong.You be the judge if you have not read this tale, do so, it will hold your attention.

Great plot and great details about the geography and the people in Scotland and how they lived at the time. This story reminded me that slavery of all colors once existed all over the world including Scotland. This young man was destined to be a slave in the Carolinas and could have been one of my relatives.

The delivery was on time and the book was is good condition.The binding of the book was really good.the content of the book was really interesting and fun to read.

un racconto di piacevole lettura.

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.

Dans ce récit de son séjours aux Hébrides au Nord de l'Ecosse, Stevenson retrouve le bonheur de la solitude dans une Nature toujours belle et brute à la fois!

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.