One of the most dramatised novels of all time, Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson, is an important and much-loved part of our culture. Written by the ailing son of a famous family, it is little wonder that there continues to be fascination not just with the story, but the inspiration and the people behind it too.
In Finding Treasure Island, Robin Scott-Elliot enables us to satisfy some of that curiosity, opening a porthole on an episode of the author’s life, and inviting readers to peek in, through the eyes of his young stepson, Sam.
This story is packed with references to the Stevenson events and characters that will enchant a reader who is familiar with them, but more importantly it captures the jeopardy and spirit of adventure that is the essence of Treasure Island – introducing us to two gripping stories for the price of one.
13-year-old Sam is spending a dreich Highland holiday with his mother and his new stepfather and family. While the adults are preoccupied, the young American explores a dramatic and unfamiliar landscape and encounters local characters, including the charismatic young Jen Hawkins, who becomes his playmate, fellow adventurer – and inspiration.
After days out in the wild, Sam shares his dreams and experiences with his stepfather, and the bond between them grows as chapter-by-chapter, a novel takes shape, mirroring events in Sam’s real world.
The historical details in the story are a highlight, especially the scenes in Mrs McGregor’s cottage and at Braemar Highland Games, where Jen shows her sporting prowess. Photos and factual information at the end give further fascinating insight into the Stevensons’ remarkable lives.
Finding Treasure Island will appeal across age groups. It takes us on a satisfying journey through the whos and what ifs of a key episode in the Stevenson legacy and reminds us how one good story can be the seed of another – and perhaps inspiration for a swashbuckling adventure of our own.
Roaring Reads 