My dad gave me the major works of Robert Louis Stevenson for Christmas. He told me Kidnapped was the first book he remembers really engaging in as a kid. I told him I'd read it.
Stevenson sets up a very intriguing story. (Though I don't necessarily recommend reading about his creepy uncle right before going to sleep on a night your spouse might be on night float at the hospital.)
However, I just could not stand the main character's lack of reasoning skills! You know your uncle just tried to kill you!; why are you still going along with his suggested plans?!...you just want to hit the kid. Granted, he is only 17. And I do have the insight of knowing his story is called "Kidnapped". I guess I had reasons to think he had it coming to him.
But besides that: why do you insist on being Alan's right hand man?! Maybe he respects you, but honestly, the man loves killing people!; I don't care if it is for his so-called just, patriotic cause. I just could not swallow the David/Alan bond.
Besides that, my Scottish colloquialisms, dialect and political background are lacking. Due to that, I admittedly did not understand all the dialogue and even part of the plot. So that was a strike against me too.
I recognize that it was a good work of writing, very good. But it's difficult to appreciate when you're so frustrated with that flighty David Balfour. Think man, think! I guess it worked out all right for him in the end. But honestly.
Dad, I'm impressed you enjoyed this book as a kid. Maybe it's a guy thing.
