Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

In Short - Loved it!

I really enjoyed Robinson Crusoe. It tends to move at a slower pace, with less action and suspense than one might expect. I was using it as bedtime reading, though, so this was perfect.

Once, a group of guys in the dorm entertained the idea of doing an audio drama based on Robinson Crusoe - just with more people. Now I'm glad we didn't. We would have had to modify it pretty heavily.

Overview
The story is fairly simple. A man stricken by chronic wanderlust is cast away alone on an island. He finds ways not only to survive, but thrive. Eventually, he saves the life of a native from the mainland, who then joins him on the island. Then, the real action starts ... read the book. :)
Initially, I was extremely impressed with Defoe's apparently expansive knowledge of the sea and island living. But apparently, Defoe based a good bit of the book on the real life story of a castaway sailor. Still, it is well-written. Some parts seem inconsistent or incorrectly "made up," but they don't hurt anything, lol.

Christian Presentation
I was particularly impressed with the strong Christian message presented (please note I read the unabridged version). Good values are presented first, with Crusoe making bad decisions, and paying the penalty. However, during his time on the island, he becomes a Christian. Not only is the discussion of Christianity very clear, the gospel and plan of salvation is presented! Later, Crusoe leads Friday to the Lord, and a few of their religious discussions are outlined, and are very well handled. This is not a large percentage of the book (I don't think someone would be put off by it having too much "God talk" or a "Christian agenda"), but is effectively presented. Friday even suggests that Crusoe become a missionary to his people.

There were a couple of interesting things that struck me. These may become independent blogs later, but right now they're just rolling around in my head.

The Adjective "Christian"
Crusoe's use of "Christian" was very interesting to me. He refers to England and other European countries as "Christian civiliations" or "Christian people." Now, I know very well that these are not "Christian" in our modern usage of the word, especially the sailors to whom he is referring. However, he is speaking in contrast to the barbaric pagan civilizations of the many places he has been. (And Catholicism, I understand.) It's a novel use of the work, and may speak very strongly of the powerful influence of Christianity in the world. Every "Western" civilization now is "Christian" in the exact same sense. Amazing how much difference this religion has made in the world.

Societal Interaction
The social interaction he describes, especially after leaving the island, is fascinating. Imagine a world where there are no regular banks or businesses for holding, transfering, and converting of money and goods. Each relationship is exactly that - a relationship. You have to find trustworthy people, often by references and recommendations, and make your arrangements directly with them. You find a person to hold, use, and invest your extra money. You transfer goods by trust, hope, and commision. We really don't live like this anymore, yet I wonder if there's something inherent to humanity in this type of interaction . . . . Though businesses superintend most of this now, the method he describes is still the most effective method of getting things done. We often call it politics.

The End
I actually put off finishing the book. I was expecting a standard ending, and fearing an ending with a twist. Either way, I was anticipating lots of things to think about upon completing the book. A book that prompts lots of thinking is not the best for bedtime reading, as I was using this book.
However, I got a twist I was not expecting. The end of the book covers events rather rapidly, then nonchalantly announces that there is another book. The End.