Ballantyne wrote a sequel to 'The Coral Island'. I remember reading it as a kid. I'm not sure I'll read it again. But Ballantyne has also written a couple of nonfiction books, one about his experiences in the Hudson Bay and another about his experiences in bookmaking. I want to read them. There is also a novel of his called 'The Young Fur Traders' which I want to read. Chapter Three. The Coral Island—Our first cogitations after landing and the result of them—We conclude that the island is uninhabited. Surprisingly for a YA book, 'The Coral Island' has some beautiful passages. I'm sharing some of them below for your reading pleasure. Humph! maybe you’re right,” answered Peterkin; “but I would not give tuppence for a man of books if he had nothing else in him.” Frog Fish– As the name suggests, this unique and quirky fish boasts a bright green body and looks surprisingly like a frog!

We had, up to this time, been in the habit of going to bed with the sun, as we had no pressing call to work o’ nights; and, indeed, our work during the day was usually hard enough—what between fishing, and improving our bower, and diving in the Water Garden, and rambling in the woods—so that when night came we were usually very glad to retire to our beds. But now that we had a desire to work at night, we felt a wish for candles. Darwin, Charles (2009) [1842], The Structure and Formation of Coral Reefs, MobileReference, ISBN 978-1-60501-648-1 The Coral Island was an almost instant success, and was translated into almost every European language within fifty years of its publication. [56] It was widely admired by its contemporary readers, although modern critics view the text as featuring "dated colonialist themes and arguably racist undertones". [6] Ballantyne's blend of blood-thirsty adventure and pious imperialism appealed not just to his target juvenile audience but also to their parents and teachers. [57] He is today mainly remembered for The Coral Island, to the exclusion of much of his other work. [58] This was true, and I felt very thankful for our escape. On examining the spot more narrowly, we found that it lay close to the foot of a very rugged precipice, from which stones of various sizes were always tumbling at intervals. Indeed, the numerous fragments lying scattered all round might have suggested the cause of the sound had we not been too suddenly alarmed to think of anything. Not ready for your Coral Island adventure to end? The island has its own resort, and guests can reserve a room for as little as 1,250 baht per night during the non-peak travel months of the year. Coral Island Resort is an expansive property and is actually the only lodging option on the island. At Coral Island Resort, visitors receive the royal treatment and plenty of amenities to make their stay restful and memorable.R.M.Ballantyne was a very prolific writer and wrote more than 80 books, most of which were YA adventure stories like this one, set in different parts of the world. He did his research before writing a book – not like people do today by googling or searching in Wikipedia, but actually going to the places which were featured in the story, living there for a while, and sometimes working there. One can feel that authenticity coming through in 'The Coral Island' in his descriptions of the places and of nature. How he managed to do this extensive kind of first-hand research in the 19th century, when travelling was hard, boggles our imagination. The pole which Peterkin had cut was full twelve feet long, being a very strong but light and tough young tree, which merely required thinning at the butt to be a serviceable weapon. Marriage of the Duke D'Aumale", The Times, no.18787, p.5, 6 December 1844 , retrieved 17 January 2014 a b c Rennie, Neil (2004), "Ballantyne, Robert Michael (1825–1894)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (onlineed.), Oxford University Press, doi: 10.1093/ref:odnb/1232 , retrieved 17 December 2013 (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)

Got him this time—that’s a fact!” cried Peterkin, hauling in the line. “He’s swallowed the bait right down to his tail, I declare! Oh, what a thumper!” As it was now getting dark we lighted our candle, and placing it in a holder made of two crossing branches inside of our bower, we seated ourselves on our leafy beds and began to work. I have to say that thirteen-year-old, Peterkin Gay was my favorite. He was lively, humorous, incredibly energetic, and mischievous. What he said and the way he acted was incredibly hilarious, making for many ‘Laugh out loud’ moments. But he also has a real depth to him that shows on those rare occasions. :) The three boys sail to the island of Mango, where a missionary has converted some of the population to Christianity. There they once again meet Tararo, whose daughter Avatea wishes to become a Christian against her father's wishes. The boys attempt to take Avatea in a small boat to a nearby island the chief of which has been converted, but en route they are overtaken by one of Tararo's war canoes and taken prisoner. They are released a month later after the arrival of another missionary, and Tararo's conversion to Christianity. The " false gods" [30] of Mango are consigned to the flames, and the boys set sail for home, older and wiser. They return as adults for another adventure in Ballantyne's 1861 novel The Gorilla Hunters, a sequel to The Coral Island. [31] [32] Genre and style [ edit ] This is an old-school book (originally published in 1857), so the writing is excellent, as is the strength of moral character the boys portray throughout the story. One thing I found a little startling was the more detailed depictions of cannibalism and human sacrifice performed by the island natives. This, I’m sure, was to contrast the native’s lifestyle to that of the Christian civilizations, as the author also went into detail about the need for missionaries in that part of the world and how Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings changes all men for the good. Because of the strong depictions, I do recommend this for a more mature audience.I don't tend to reread very many books, but this was one that I loved when I read it (as a pre-teen). I decided to try reading it to my son in chapters. We found this to be the highest point of the island, and from it we saw our kingdom lying, as it were, like a map around us. As I have always thought it impossible to get a thing properly into one’s understanding without comprehending it, I shall beg the reader’s patience for a little while I describe our island, thus, shortly: Chapter Nine. Prepare for a journey round the island—Sagacious reflections—Mysterious appearances and startling occurrences. Chapter One. Beginning—My early life and character—I thirst for adventure in foreign lands, and go to sea. The main difference between the two island books, it seems to me, is the age of the characters -- teenagers in The Coral Island, doing resourceful teenage things that could have come out of Scouting for Boys, if the latter had been published by then. Lord of the Flies has pre-teen children, less resourceful, more easily distracted. And where The Coral Island has savages becoming civilised, thanks to the influence of missionaries, Lord of the Flies has the civilised becoming savages, in the absence of such influences.