Jamie P. reviewed The Coral Island: A Tale of the Pacific Ocean (R. M. Ballantyne Collection) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love these books! This one is the first in a series of two ( the second being "Gorilla Hunters"). It is one of Ballantyne's South Pacific books, which are generally slightly more graphic than the others. Three boys become stranded on a pacific island. Together they establish themselves, and live, quietly awaiting rescue, until one of them is captured by pirates and taken to Tahiti. This is the graphic section, for the Polynesians were not kind to their captives. These books are remarkable in that Ballantyne seeks to reveal the nature of the culture he deals with in each one. They are great for boys, 10 and up in particular. And girls too, for that fact of the matter. I read a different one out loud to a 9 y/o, a 5 y/o, and a 3 y/o. They loved it. The 9 y/o actually became so impatient to hear the rest of the story, that he finished it on his own. Then started another one. If you are familiar with Henty, I would definitely recommend Ballantyne. They are well written, captivating, humorous, heartbreaking, and God- Honoring. They support, unlike Henty, a literal 6 day creation and a salvation by Grace alone theology.
writing-writer reviewed The Coral Island: A Tale of the Pacific Ocean (R. M. Ballantyne Collection) on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
15-year-old Ralph Rover has dreamed of going to sea. He has gone as far as he can go in his family's small boat, but that is not enough to quench his thirst. When his parents decide it is time to let him go, he packs his things and heads out for the Pacific ocean.
On board ship he meets 14-year-old Peterkin Gay and 18-year-old Jack Martin. Peterkin is a mischivious but bighearted boy you cannot help but like from the start. Jack is an admirable, kind, leader sort who instantly tells Ralph they will be good friends.
Not long into their journey, they're shipwrecked. While all the crew makes it to a lifeboat, Ralph, Peterkin and Jack are thrown into the open water. Stranded on a beautiful coral island, this book tells through the eyes of Ralph Rover the adventures that took place thereafter.
Personally, I love the Coral Island for more than just a storyline. The characters are believable and likeable from the start, and as they learn lessons in friendship and depending on the Creater, you learn right along with them.
Unlike other reprints, this Vision Forum edition is unabridged. The first time I read this book it was a softcover, and it left out alot of the Christian thinking that the main characters depend on.
This book has a wonderful sequal, The Gorilla Hunters, which is worth reading almost as much as this one.
On board ship he meets 14-year-old Peterkin Gay and 18-year-old Jack Martin. Peterkin is a mischivious but bighearted boy you cannot help but like from the start. Jack is an admirable, kind, leader sort who instantly tells Ralph they will be good friends.
Not long into their journey, they're shipwrecked. While all the crew makes it to a lifeboat, Ralph, Peterkin and Jack are thrown into the open water. Stranded on a beautiful coral island, this book tells through the eyes of Ralph Rover the adventures that took place thereafter.
Personally, I love the Coral Island for more than just a storyline. The characters are believable and likeable from the start, and as they learn lessons in friendship and depending on the Creater, you learn right along with them.
Unlike other reprints, this Vision Forum edition is unabridged. The first time I read this book it was a softcover, and it left out alot of the Christian thinking that the main characters depend on.
This book has a wonderful sequal, The Gorilla Hunters, which is worth reading almost as much as this one.
