Customer Reviews

Kidnapped and Catriona (Oxford World's Classics)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This combination of Kidnapped and it's sequel by World Books was fantastic. I never thought of Kidnapped having a sequel until I found this book. I realized how quickly and abruptly the ending was to Kidnapped and all of a sudden it fit. World Books made the stories easy to read. They had quotes, explanations, a mini encyclopedia, and a dictionary of Scottish words in the back for the use of the reader, and this being the second time that I read Kidnapped, I got a lot more out of it this time. I recommend that everyone to read these books. Catriona is a love story that really draws you in, and won't let you go

Kidnapped is one of my favorite books. Perhaps that's why Catriona didn't do much for me. To me, it read as the typical sequel to a great story. It just doesn't have the punch and thrills of Kidnapped. The prose of course is excellent, though there is far more scottish lingo than the 1st book. This makes it a bit of a struggle to get through. I don't think I'd recommend it, especially after reading Kidnapped, unless someone has a real passion for Scottish literature.

While sick with bronchitis, I listened to an unabridged recording of "Kidnapped." The story mixes politics, sea faring, abduction, and a mentor relationship all in one novel. When David griped to Alan about their predicaments and harangued Alan for his gambling, he knew he was being a jerk...this character was pretty self-aware in that capacity. I really liked the relationship between Alan and David, and the details of Alan's characterization--fastidious as a woman in his dress. The lawyer who assists David upon his return was funny in his self-preservation and technicalities---"I am near-sighted and forgot my glasses." (He will not be able to identify Alan if plans backfire since Alan is mixed up in politics and a murder scandal.) I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading "Treasure Island" soon.

Both of these books are part of Stevenson's historical adventures that are often considered to be great as children's books but can be just as easily read by adults. In Kidnapped, the orphaned narrator finds himself deprived of his inheritance by his bastardly uncle, who after having failed to kill him arranges his kidnapping. However, on the boat, his character begins to show as he leads a mutiny and escape with Alan, a man he befriends on the ship. They find themselves in the political and military turmoil of the Jacobite conflict Scotland, and in their wanderings encounter much danger, intrigue and hardship. Catriona is the sequel, where the narrator falls in love with a lady whose father is less than honourable, adding a sustained romance to the melting pot of events.

Stevenson's narration and style may not be as classically topical and atmospheric like Scott's historical novels, however these two are a good read with fast-paced adventure and intrigue with the troubles of Scotland and greater Europe in the background.

This starts rather slow, but quickly develops into a really exciting story. I had always associated the author with the Pacific not realizing he originated from Scotland. It was real interesting to read of the clans and the strong division between the highlanders and lowlanders. Having seen pictures of Loch Ness over the years, I could imagine the scenic country the author was describing. This is a story were you can easily pick out the good and bad. If anything the two main characters are a little too strong, but exciting. There is a small element of historical context that confused me, but that is something only more reading will clear up. This is not a long book in fact I almost finished it in one sitting. It's definably a swashbuckling, surviving coming of age story.