Kidnapped was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886 and tells the story of young Scotsman, David Balfour. It is a highly
popular historical novel that takes place in the year 1751. The backdrop is a highly volatile Scotland under occupation of English forces.
Seventeen year old David has just become orphaned when his father died. He lost his mother some time earlier and now, he finds himself alone. David embarks on a journey to the House of Shaws, the home of his uncle,
Ebenezer. When he arrives, Ebenezer is clearly not happy to see David. He even makes an attempt on his young nephew’s life. It is then David learns that he is the heir to the House of Shaws and is, in reality a wealthy man. Unfortunately, Ebenezer has other plans. He takes David to the port and sells him to Captain Hoseason, who plans on reselling David in America at a profit. David is kept prisoner in the brig of the schooner
Covenant. During their voyage to America, the Covenant collides with a small French vessel. The only survivor of the French ship is wealthy and charming Alan Breck. Alan is taken aboard the Covenant, where he offers to pay the captain a large sum of money to take him to France.
David, who now has become the cabin boy, overhears several of the crew discussing plans to kill Breck and steal his money. David immediately informs Breck and the two forge an alliance. Alan and David barricade themselves in the ship’s hold and battle the attacking crewmembers. After a skirmish, several of the crew have been killed and Captain Hoseason is injured. The Captain has no choice but to release both David and Alan and take them ashore.
On their way to shore, the vessel is caught in a violent storm and both Alan and David fall overboard. They separate and make their way to shore. David’s adventure then continues on the Scottish highlands. David and Alan witness the assassination of Red Fox, a powerful local leader. The two companions are blamed for the murder and are forced to flee the English authorities who are frantically searching for them. Eventually, David and Alan arrive at the House of Shaws, where David gains his rightful inheritance. David becomes a wealthy man and parts ways with Alan, who continues on to France.
Kidnapped continues to be widely read and enjoyed today. It is the classic story of an orphan who, after a series of adventures, earns his rightful inheritance. It is an excellent work and an exciting adventure story. However, Robert Louis Stevenson uses 18th Century Scottish dialogue, which in some parts of the book, makes the story difficult to comprehend.
This is one of Stevenson’s best works and is followed by a sequel. The 1893 novel, Catriona, depicts the further adventures of David Balfour. Kidnapped has been adapted into cinema several times the story remains popular today. It is highly recommended as a way to introduce young readers to classical literature, but should also be read by any fan of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Mark Askeda