Treasure Island

Last month we finished up our second fiction book Treasure Island.  It went much faster than Robin Hood!  In all it was fairly enjoyable.  I suppose what impresses me more is the influence the book had on starting pirate trends-- such as the one-eyed pirate, the one-legged pirate, the parrot on the shoulder, and even the character of Long John Silver.

Cook & Pirate

Turned Chain-Food Store

Before reading the book, I had no idea that Long John Silver character was a 'bad guy'.  For some reason the fact that he was a pirate never clued me in to the murky moral substance of the man. It's interesting how we've turned something so clearly abhorrent (stealing, looting, deception, drunkenness, etc.) into a cute children's dress up play game. 

And of course, while I laughingly sang the "Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" song with the rest of Veggie Tales fans, I wasn't (and am still not) concerned that the silliness of the song was sanctioning piracy.  Interestingly, the song turned to children's movie... but I haven't seen it, so will leave the critique for the movie critics!

I suppose the concept of pirates is one of a longing for adventure and treasure on the great open seas.  Something most of us know very little to nothing about and so it's appealing.  What I do appreciate about the real book Treasure Island is that it does not celebrate this occupation.  Long John is certainly no hero, but really a man to be pitied.  While his personality was likable, it was clear that his moral character was despicable, and that two-facedness about him made him even more so.

This is a good 'coming of age' book which could offer quite a bit of dialogue about loyalty, obedience, and courage.  It is most likely suited for the 8-13 year old who is beginning to understand the complexities of life.

Interestingly, the next book Master D and I picked up to read through during his 'play times' is The Magicians Nephew, the first of C.S. Lewis Chronicles Series mentions Treasure Island within its first few pages.  The Magician's Nephew, which was written last, is actually the prequel to The Lion & the Witch & The Wardrobe.  I am excited to savor Lewis's children's novels as I did not read them as a child.  Although, I have said he is my favorite author, I have mainly read his non fiction work.

What is your favorite Lewis book?