My husband recently bought me a used copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell while we were out one Saturday. He had asked me if I had read it and while I had, it had been a LOOOOOONG time ago. This weekend, we took a quick over-night road trip to the Memphis Zoo and I popped this book in the bag and read it on the way down. I enjoyed this book and was glad to be reminded of it!
Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of Karana, a young Indian girl. She is about 12 when the story starts, living with her tribe (and family) on the island. Because of a series of events, her tribe decides to leave the island and start over somewhere else. However, as the ship is sailing away, she sees her brother left behind on the island and she jumps over the side to stay with him. The ship will return for us, she tells him. Unfortunately, he meets with a tragic accident soon after and she is alone on the island for nearly eighteen years!
As I was telling my husband about the story, I was amazed by how resourceful she was for such a "young age." Then I had to remind myself that at 12, in her Indian culture, that wasn't probably so young! She knew how to catch her food, prepare it and store it for the winter. She made weapons (bows & arrows, spears) to catch and clean her fish and to fight off the wild dogs on the island ... one of which later becomes her beloved companion. She builds her own house, makes her own clothes, and all the while watches for the return of the sails and her people returning to get her.
I didn't realize until I read the author's note at the end of the story, that this book was based on true events. There was a young girl who lived alone on an island for 18 years, from approximately 1835-1853! This was a very interesting return to a childhood read and I'm glad to be reminded of it. (My niece will turn 12 this winter and I think she may get a copy of this book!) For more Children's Classics, visit Five Minutes for Books.
This is one I haven't read, Stephanie, believe it or not. I'll definitely have to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for a great review!
ReplyDeleteFantastic Review! I have not read this, can you believe it? I think I spent my teenage years reading too much Stephen King. I will add this to my list! Thanks...
ReplyDeleteRosey
.....I have also never read it.
ReplyDeleteso. hm..
I was thinking it was written by someone else (who I am not as fond of) but I'm mistaken so now I feel pressured to read this one. Not a bad sort of pressure, mind you. =)
I know I've read this, but I don't remember it. Amanda hasn't read it, and I think that I should encourage her to.
ReplyDeleteWow I need to get another one! Her I come goodwill (hopefully) ;)
ReplyDeleteWow! Am I the only other person who read this book as a child?! I even owned a copy at one point. I always thought I would never have the courage the girl has in the book. And to live 18 years without a person to talk to? Pure torture!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this book as a child and being astonished she could survive all alone, and then side that she WAS all alone...
ReplyDeleteI'll have to forage through my bookshelves to see if I still have this. Thanks for reminding me of it! :o)
I never heard of this book, but it certainly reminds me of my son's favorite- Swiss Family Robinson. Isn't it great to return to these faves from our childhood?
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