Name: Kidnapped
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
ISBN: 9780194631730

Kidnapped

Robert Louis Stevenson

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Author Description

A level 3 Oxford Bookworms Library graded reader. This version includes an audio book: listen to the story as you read.Retold for Learners of English by Clare West.‘I ran to the side of the ship. “Help, help! Murder!” I screamed, and my uncle slowly turned to look at me. I did not see any more. Already strong hands were pulling me away. Then something hit my head; I saw a great flash of fire, and fell to the ground...’And so begin David Balfour’s adventures. He is kidnapped, taken to sea, and meets many dangers. He also meets a friend, Alan Breck. But Alan is in danger himself, on the run from the English army across the wild Highlands of Scotland...

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

After being betrayed by his uncle and abducted onto a ship, David Balfour must navigate a treacherous landscape to reclaim his inheritance and survive the political turmoil of 18th-century Scotland. David Balfour, an orphaned young man, finds himself thrust into a dangerous web of deceit when his uncle arranges for his kidnapping to prevent him from claiming his rightful estate. Forced into servitude at sea, David eventually forms an unlikely alliance with the Jacobite rebel Alan Breck Stewart. Together, they traverse the rugged Scottish Highlands, facing physical exhaustion, betrayal, and the constant threat of capture by the English military. The narrative follows a linear progression, utilizing a first-person perspective that emphasizes David's growing maturity and moral development.

INSIDE THE PAGES

First-person narrative perspective providing intimate access to the protagonist's internal growth.
Vivid descriptions of the 18th-century Scottish Highlands and maritime environments.
Exploration of the complex political tensions between the Jacobites and the English government.
Development of a central friendship that bridges cultural and political divides.
Pacing characterized by high-stakes action sequences interspersed with moments of survivalist tension.
Use of dialect and period-appropriate dialogue to establish regional authenticity.
Themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the search for justice in a corrupt society.
Structural focus on the transition from innocence to experience through physical hardship.

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers frequently highlight the accessibility of this retold version, noting that it maintains the core tension of the original while simplifying the prose for language learners. Discussion often centers on the dynamic between David and Alan, which serves as the emotional anchor for the entire narrative. Critics observe that the pacing remains brisk, effectively balancing the survival elements with the historical context of the Jacobite rising. Many readers appreciate how the story manages to convey a sense of urgency without sacrificing the atmospheric quality of the Scottish setting. This edition is widely regarded as an effective entry point for those seeking to engage with classic literature through a structured, educational framework.

Page Count:
70

Publication Date:
2014-01-01

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
0194631737

ISBN-13:
9780194631730

Adventure

English & College Success

English speakers

Educational

English as a Second Language

classic

English