Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped is praised for its vivid adventure and dynamic characters, especially the protagonist, David Balfour. The historical context adds depth, but some critics find the dialects challenging and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its storytelling and rich depiction of 18th-century Scotland.

Readers who enjoy adventure and historical fiction will find Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson captivating. This novel appeals to fans of tales like Treasure Island and The Three Musketeers with its themes of survival, loyalty, and adventure set against the backdrop of 18th-century Scotland.

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, follows the young David Balfour, who, after his father's death, discovers an uncle, Ebenezer, living at a near-ruined estate. Ebenezer kidnaps David, attempting to send him to slavery in America. Shipwrecked in Scotland, David befriends Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite, and together they navigate survival, evading false accusations of murder and reclaiming David's rightful inheritance. The novel contains themes of abduction and murder.

Adventurous / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Challenging / Bittersweet

Robert Louis Stevenson

Middle grade

Novel

David Balfour

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Kidnapped Summary

Background

Kidnapped Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Kidnapped Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13

Kidnapped Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-17

Kidnapped Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-25

Kidnapped Chapters 18-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Kidnapped Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Kidnapped Character Analysis

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Themes

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Kidnapped Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Kidnapped Important Quotes

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Kidnapped Essay Topics

Kidnapped

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