Goodreads synopsis: In the Pacific there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea. Around it, blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea elephants and sea birds abound. Once, Indians also lived on the island. And when they left and sailed to the east, one young girl was left behind. — This is the story of Karana, the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Year after year, she watched one season pass into another and waited for a ship to take her away. But while she waited, she kept herself alive by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs. It is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.
My rating: 4 stars.
Content warnings: PG. Men are killed in a glimpsed battle. A character is briefly described as being mauled by a dog, and another character suffers a leg injury that makes it hard to walk. Character kills various kinds of wild animals for survival.
Thoughts: I definitely like it better than Robinson Crusoe. At least what I remember of that story. This one feels a lot more realistic, even as it spans a long period of time. Though the main character doesn't seem to mature much, despite years passing in the story. But that could be because of its intended audience. Karana's voice isn't anything super unique, but the story is what makes the book worth reading. With that audience in mind, I think there was a good balance between details of survival and gathering supplies, and moving the story along. I do wish the timeline was a little shorter, I think trying to cover that many years with this short of a book hurt it a lot, but I do understand he was trying to novelize a true story. It could have been a bit longer, but it may be a good pace for younger readers.
It was a well written book, and definitely one that younger readers can likely enjoy a lot more.
No comments:
Post a Comment