Author: Johann David Wyss
Genre: Classic Fiction
Disclaimer: An original copy of The
Swiss Family Robinson is, in fact, quite rare. There is a large
number of different abridged versions, in which the events of the
original book vary a fair amount. That being said if you read this
book, there may be some differences between your copy and the
events mentioned in this review.
Synopsis: Mr. Robinson (William), his
wife Elizabeth, along with their four sons Fritz, Ernest, Jack, and
Franz are caught in a terrible storm while at sea. However, due to
their clever resourcefulness, they make it to the shores of the
nearby, but unsettled, island. They are left with nothing but the
supplies and animals that were on board the ship, which was
abandoned by the rest of the crew and passengers. Everything else
they need they will have to forge for themselves in the wild of
this untamed and mysterious island. But the question is, for how
long?
Themes: This book deals with things
like the love of a family, and how one should respond to challenging
situations (like being stranded on an island). Johann Wyss has a very
positive take on the family. Throughout the book, though there is
naturally some bickering and troubles, Mr. Robinson keeps the family
unified, loving and encouraging one another throughout their
situation. Over the course of the book, their relationship grows very
strong. Wyss also shows his faith in God, for Mr. Robinson constantly
makes the point that they are not forsaken, that God is with them,
and they must trust in Him. For example, William Robinson says this
in response to his children's despair at learning they were abandoned
by everyone else on board their wrecked ship: “My good children, we
must not despair, although we seem deserted. See how those on who's
skill and good faith we depended have left us cruelly to our fate in
the hour of danger. God will never do so. He has not forsaken us, and
we will trust him still. Only let us bestir ourselves, and each
cheerily do his best.”
Content: This book really has no
questionable content. The word a** is used sometimes, but not in the
vulgar sense of the word but the original use, meaning donkey.
Conclusion: All in all, even though I
greatly appreciated the lack of profanity and questionable content,
as well as Wyss's good nature towards God and the family, I did not
enjoy this book. In fact, I hated it. Admittedly I enjoyed the book
at the beginning, and some way into it, and I also enjoy Johann's
writing skill. However, as I read on, from beginning to end, the book
had less and less appeal. Let me explain.
In Swiss Family Robinson, besides the
initial event of the Robinson's stranding, and the eventual death of
a pet donkey, there is virtually no conflict. While they are stranded
they use their unrealistic knowledge of plant life and animals to
make not only a suitable home and way of life, but a paradise for
themselves. In addition to this, the island on which they are
stranded has an impossible diversity of animal life, ranging from
lions, to walruses, to ostriches and everything in between. To give
an exhaustive list would simply be tedious and quite boring. If that
isn't enough, the Robinson family somehow manages to unrealistically
tame many animals, including a buffalo, a jackal, and a raven.
So all of that being said, I am sure
you can see why it is I disliked this book so much due to its
unrealistic and unexciting nature. I could not recommend this book to
anyone, especially those who enjoy a good thriller with many
conflicts and plot twists. The only exception would be younger
children who enjoy books in which, for the most part, only good and
amazing things happen, and dislike it when tragic or suspenseful
events occur. For that, is what this book is.
~John Watson~
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