Robinson Crusoe

By Daniel Dafoe

“I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country, my father being a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull. He got a good estate by merchandise, and leaving off his trade, lived afterwards at York, from whence he had married my mother, whose relations were named Robinson, a very good family in that country, and from whom I was called Robinson Kreutznaer; but, by the usual corruption of words in England, we are now called - nay we call ourselves and write our name - Crusoe; and so my companions always called me.”

This is the story of a young man from wealthy family who, against his father’s wishes, sets out for a life of adventure on the high seas. Unfortunately for Robinson, he is plagued by bad luck and after several encounters with pirates and a bad storm, he finds himself shipwrecked and washed up on the shore of a deserted island.

Like anyone stranded on a deserted island, he has to learn how to make a shelter and how to make bread. In order to survive he has to tame animals, gather fruit, grow crops and hunt. He must also get used to the loneliness of being the only person on an island. An island that is inhabited by cannibals. As a matter of fact, I found it quite interesting to read how Europeans looked at other cultures (Caribbean and African mainly) over two hundred years ago. In the book they are portrayed as cannibalised savages, which I do not believe was the case in real life.One day, after twenty lonely years on the island, Robinson sees footprints in the sand. This is how he meets Friday, who is to become his faithful companion and servant. Robinson names him Friday because they happen to meet on a Friday.

After 28 years, 2 months and 19 days on the island Robinson Crusoe and Friday are finally rescued when a ship of mutineers sail to the island. He and his companions help the British captain to take back control of the ship, and they can finally set sail for England again.

I liked the story for the most part. It is interesting but can be a bit long-winding at times. Religion is also an important part of the story, which was a bit tiring at times with lengthy passages of religious soliloquizing. I also did not like the way Robinson Crusoe was trying to force his faith on Friday. It can be a bit too much at times - but other than that, it is well worth reading.