46 pages 1 hour read

Robert Louis Stevenson

Kidnapped

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1886

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, follows the young David Balfour, who, after his father's death, discovers an uncle, Ebenezer, living at a near-ruined estate. Ebenezer kidnaps David, attempting to send him to slavery in America. Shipwrecked in Scotland, David befriends Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite, and together they navigate survival, evading false accusations of murder and reclaiming David's rightful inheritance. The novel contains themes of abduction and murder.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped is praised for its vivid adventure and dynamic characters, especially the protagonist, David Balfour. The historical context adds depth, but some critics find the dialects challenging and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its storytelling and rich depiction of 18th-century Scotland.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kidnapped?

Readers who enjoy adventure and historical fiction will find Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson captivating. This novel appeals to fans of tales like Treasure Island and The Three Musketeers with its themes of survival, loyalty, and adventure set against the backdrop of 18th-century Scotland.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Topics

History: World