It's no wonder the story of Robinson Crusoe's adventures became a classic. Written more than three centuries ago, it still captivates the reader with stories of pirates, shipwrecks and cannibals and so much more. Told from Robinson's perspective, Daniel Defoe weaves a wonderful story of how one, god-fearing man survived on a desolate island for 28 years. The character, Robinson Crusoe, tells a tale of a lonely human being who manages to overcome his own shortcomings and appreciate the struggle for life on a completely different perspective.
During his stay on the island, Robinson is constantly challenged and amidst his perpetual struggle many themes and motifs become evident. The most important is the motif of the struggle with the sea. Robinson is shipwrecked more than once and captured by pirates. Later on he rafts out from the island and almost dies. A very important theme was the legitimacy of religion. Crusoe, amid his struggles constantly wonders why God is punishing him. He ends up believing that it is God's will for him to live on the island and he is content living there.
I would rate this book three and a half smileys out of four. It is a captivating book and hard to put down. However the monotonous and emotionless narrating leaves much to be desired. However, I was satisfied with this book and impressed by how the story is timeless and will still be enjoyed for centuries to come.
