A review by wuzzbookz
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Wow, this book was a struggle. Many others have reviewed it better than I but in short it is a book which is hard work because of its pacing and style. Being an 18th century work I fully expected some rambling but the most annoying features were that the narrative is all over the place with the character constantly repeating himself in the first half of the book. Thus potentially interesting bits of the story are missed out and other duller pieces over elaborated upon. There were moments when I was more absorbed such as how he builds his shelter and as soon as Friday turned up at least it was more of a narrative (although he's only in the last quarter of the book).

There are also the problematic attitudes of the time as you'd expect which mean it has quite a different impact now than it would have done. After all he's wrecked on a voyage where he's headed to enslave people so I had no sympathy for him. I have to confess I also cheered when HR got food poisoning from bludgeoning a turtle. 

Also once he's rescued the book just won't stop and I skim read the bits with wolves which added nothing to the story at all and simply highlighted the views of the time towards wild animals (see Friday tormenting a bear when it was minding its own business).

All in all a slog and not a rewarding one
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