Kidnapped
Swindled out of his inheritance, recently orphaned David Balfour finds himself kidnapped and aboard a slave ship bound for the Carolinas shortly after the Jacobite rising of 1745. A shipwreck leads to a chance encounter and an unlikely rescuer—Highland rebel and suspected assassin Alan Breck Stewart. An incredible friendship blossoms between the two young men, who occupy opposite ends of the political and religious spectra. Together they return to the mainland, outwit many murderous foes and schemers, and attempt to restore David to his rightful fortune. Originally published for children, Robert Louis Stevenson’s enthusiastic, politically charged tribute to his native Scotland has won the hearts of young and old alike since its publication in the summer of 1886. AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature’s most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds.
A Thrilling Voyage Through the Scottish Highlands
Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped" is a timeless classic that transports readers to the rugged and unforgiving landscape of 18th-century Scotland. This captivating tale of adventure, injustice, and the indomitable human spirit has captivated audiences for generations.
From Innocence to Brutality:
The story follows David Balfour, a young man who, after the death of his father, embarks on a journey to claim his inheritance. However, his dreams are shattered when he is kidnapped and sold into servitude by his wicked uncle. Thrust into a world of violence and hardship, David must rely on his courage, resilience, and newfound friendship with the Highlander Alan Breck Stewart to navigate the treacherous journey ahead.
A Masterful Blend of History and Adventure:
Stevenson masterfully blends historical details with thrilling adventure, bringing the Scottish Highlands to life with vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape, the clash of clans, and the complex social hierarchy of the time. The novel offers a glimpse into a bygone era, while simultaneously exploring timeless themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fight for justice.
Characters that Stay with You:
David Balfour is a relatable protagonist, whose journey from innocence to maturity resonates with readers of all ages. His courage in the face of adversity and his unwavering belief in what is right make him a character worth rooting for. Alan Breck Stewart, with his wit, loyalty, and wild spirit, adds a layer of complexity and excitement to the narrative.
Strengths:
- Engaging plot: The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.
- Vivid descriptions: Stevenson's writing brings the Scottish Highlands to life with rich imagery and detailed descriptions.
- Memorable characters: David Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart are well-developed characters who evolve throughout the story, making them relatable and endearing.
- Historical context: The novel offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century Scotland, providing historical and cultural context.
Weaknesses:
- Some pacing issues: The middle section of the book can feel slightly slow at times.
- Stereotyping: Some portrayals of certain characters may be viewed as stereotypical by modern readers.
Overall Impression:
Despite its minor flaws, "Kidnapped" remains a captivating and timeless classic. Stevenson's masterful storytelling, coupled with his vivid descriptions and memorable characters, create an unforgettable reading experience. This thrilling adventure story is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, coming-of-age tales, and thrilling narratives.
Recommendation:
Highly recommended for readers of all ages who enjoy historical fiction, adventure stories, and tales of courage and perseverance. With its timeless themes and engaging narrative, "Kidnapped" is a book that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
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Robert Louis Stevenson, Poet and Author 
The Literary Voyager
Early Life and Education: Born as Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Louis Stevenson was the only son of Thomas Stevenson, a prosperous civil engineer, and Margaret Isabella Balfour. His frail health made regular schooling challenging, but he attended Edinburgh Academy and other schools before entering Edinburgh University at the age of 17. Despite expectations to follow in his family's lighthouse engineering profession, Stevenson's true passion lay in writing.
Literary Beginnings and Rebellion: From a young age, Stevenson displayed a keen interest in writing. During his teens, he actively experimented with various prose and verse styles, imitating a diverse range of models. His early work, "The Pentland Rising," reflected his enthusiasm for the Covenanters, Scots who defended their version of Presbyterianism in the 17th century. Stevenson's rebellion against his parents' religion and bourgeois norms marked his years at university.
Connections and Influences: In 1873, Stevenson visited a cousin in Suffolk, England, where he met influential figures like Sidney Colvin and Fanny Sitwell. Colvin, an English scholar, became a lifelong friend, while Sitwell, an older woman of charm, sparked a deep friendship. Stevenson's letters to Sitwell, addressed to "Claire," later led to misunderstandings about a potential affair. However, the relationship evolved into a lasting friendship.
Health Struggles and Travels: In 1873, Stevenson suffered severe respiratory illness, leading to a trip to the French Riviera for recovery. Despite his health challenges, Stevenson continued to travel widely. Two notable journeys resulted in his works "An Inland Voyage" (1878) and "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes" (1879).
Literary Career Takes Flight: Stevenson's career as a writer progressed slowly. Early essays like "Roads" and "Ordered South" garnered attention. Edmund Gosse and W. E. Henley became crucial figures in Stevenson's literary circle. His distinctive essays, marked by a quizzical and meditative tone, established him as a writer of unique sensibility.
Love, Marriage, and Adventures: In 1876, Stevenson met Fanny Vandegrift Osbourne, an American woman separated from her husband. Their love blossomed, despite Stevenson's parents' initial disapproval. In 1879, Stevenson embarked on an arduous journey to reunite with Fanny in California. The challenges he faced during this period were chronicled in "The Amateur Emigrant" (1895) and "Across the Plains" (1892). Stevenson and Fanny married in 1880, setting the stage for a life filled with adventures.
Settling in Samoa and Later Years: Concerned about European and American influence in the South Sea islands, Stevenson and his family settled in Samoa in 1890. His writing during this period took on a darker realism. Unfortunately, Stevenson's life was cut short by a stroke, and he passed away on December 3, 1894, at the age of 44.
Legacy and Critical Reception: A celebrity in his lifetime, Stevenson's critical reputation has endured. His works, including "Treasure Island," "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," "Kidnapped," and "A Child's Garden of Verses," are celebrated globally. In 2018, he was ranked as the 26th-most-translated author in the world, a testament to the enduring appeal of his literary legacy.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2023
Following the death of his father David Balfour is sent to his uncles house where he begins to suspect something isn’t right. His uncle has a terrible reputation and it appears he may have attempted to kill David. David also discovers that his father might have been older than his uncle which is contrary to what he had always been led to believe. For reasons David had yet to discover his Uncle hired an unscrupulous ship’s Captain to Kidnap David and sail him to America where he would work on a plantation. Things go awry and the boat shipwrecks off the coast of Scotland where David Belfour and the real life Alan Breck Stewart try to escape capture for a murder they didn’t commit.
Kidnapped is very loosely based on the real life Appin Murder and many of the characters are real people. David Balfour is created for this book but may have been based on the kidnapping of a boy named James Annesley. My biggest issue was that I found most of the book dull and repetitive. I simply could not get into the story. There is a lot of Scottish accents that are sometimes difficult to read and I found myself zoning out. Other people have clearly gotten more enjoyment out of Kidnapped than myself because it’s considered a classic but for me one read through was more than enough.
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