Marooned: The Strange but True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe

by Robert Kraske, Robert Andrew Parker (Illustrator)

Marooned on a South Pacific island, Scottish mariner Alexander Selkirk lived one of the world's great adventures and became the real-life model for Daniel Defoe's famous novel, Robinson Crusoe.

Selkirk survived in complete solitude for more than four years, providing food and shelter for himself and overcoming devastating loneliness. After being rescued in 1709, he engaged in daring sea exploits, including the capture of a Spanish treasure ship, and returned to England a wealthy man.

His remarkable story is recounted here in vivid detail. An author's note takes readers on a tour of his island today and to the high lookout where the lonely mariner, spyglass in hand, once scanned the horizon for a rescue ship.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Historical, Adventure, Survival, Biography Memoir

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised at how much I loved this little book. It's a short read, easy and quick, and interesting. It's also a physically appealing book as other reviewers have noted. It's just 7.25" x 5.25", really easy in the hand, and to fit in a pocket, for sure.

The story of Selkirk's life was interesting and readable.

I think my favorite part was the Author's Note at the end, short, just a few pages long, telling about what was involved in researching the book, and what the island formerly known as Juan Fernandez, now re-christened Robinson Crusoe, is like today. The Author's Note, and the Selected Bibliography. Picked up a few more 'want to reads' from that. *grin*

[Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Very factual. I didn't know there was real story behind Robinson Crusoe.

[Sohail · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's not much meat on the bones of this book, and the little that there is, is not much to speak of. It is a short book (which is tolerable). What which is not tolerable is the inaccuracy of its information (Selkirk building a cave, for instance, is a rumour that has been refuted), as well as baseless guesswork by the author, and the way in which they have been presented as facts.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this little book in children’s nonfiction. I noticed it before, it’s small and has an attractive watercolor on the cover. It’s written by someone who lives in Stillwater and used his local libraries to research the book.

[Lars Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a neat little book. It makes me wish for more little books like this—seven and a half by five inches and a skosh more than a hundred pages. (I am reading another now, for adults yet, David Ulin’s ‘The Lost Art of Reading’—just as delightful.)

Robert Kraske makes no sacrifices here. He offers an elegantly told tale with lots of digression to explain world politics, naval technology, the flora and fauna of Juan Fernández Island, even the sounds and smells of London streets of the early eighteenth century.

It’s unnecessary to have read, or know anything about, Defoe’s classic ‘Robinson Crusoe’ to enjoy this jewel of historical sweep and swashbuckling adventure, although that certainly made my experience all the richer.

As with any biography where source material is scarce, Kraske is forced to resort to many ‘might haves,’ but his research and love for detail bring the past to life. He’s got quite a story in the bare bones of what we do know.

Alexander Selkirk, like Crusoe, was stricken with wanderlust and a desire to escape a caring but overbearing Scottish father, and proved to be a worthy sailor. Unlike Crusoe, he was a feisty one as well and ended up on his island (off Chile rather than Brazil) not through shipwreck, but because a captain called his bluff and left him there. Selkirk got the last laugh on that one.

Selkirk seems to have reveled in the same ‘undoubted right of dominion’ that so thrilled Crusoe in isolation, but he could never equal that joy, as relieved as he was when rescued from Juan Fernández.

The excitement was far from over, as he joined a squadron of British privateers that circled the globe, taking Spanish treasure. But after returning to England, he was uncomfortable with the renown gained through his exploits. ‘O my beloved island! I wish I had never left thee,’ he cried to his nonplussed family. And then ran off to sea again.

Selkirk never really found the feeling of home he had, so far from human contact and his origins, again.

Daniel Defoe’s own story ran parallel to his inspiration. Finally achieving huge success at sixty with ‘Robinson Crusoe,’ he couldn’t parlay fame and fortune into happiness, either.

Kraske’s masterful recounting of the true tale that led to the classic novel is perfectly complemented by Robert Andrew Parker’s simple and effective ink-and-wash illustrations.

A great bite-sized saga for lovers of history and adventure. Highly recommended for sixth graders on up.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books that I've read for this semester so far. Just over 100 pages, this book had an old-fashioned tone with lots of rich vocabulary. I think what made it so special to me was that the author gave credit to the librarians who helped him with his research in the Author's Note at the end. There are a few pictures and maps, but the story itself is a great adventure story, and would be a great introduction to the rather large and long Robinson Crusoe. This would be easier, as well, for younger audiences.
Any adventure-lover should be able to get into this book. Those who like survival stories, especially true accounts, should like this topic. I think this would be especially appealing to boys who need a good 100-page biography (a common assignment for our local school district). It also has some good historical context for those who are interested in history, the writing process (the way Daniel Defoe gets his hands on the story comes up), or exploration.
Drinking. Cannibalism. Pirates.

[Chris Holliman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and snappy adventure sea tale that is great for boys and teens. Very engrossing for those who love survival/wilderness/adventure books!

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small but curious. A MS book, back story non-fiction biography of the "real" Robinson Crusoe. A very nice book, well written and engaging.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it is a children's book, I found it a good read - an easy and entertaining read - perfect for a vacation. Nice small size to pack in your bag, too.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kraske writes a compelling story of this historic survival story while providing an opportunity for readers to reflect on choice, character, and fate.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect, short companion to go with Robinson Crusoe.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating! And sad.

Note: Men drink rum and beer. The effects of scurvy are mentioned. Some people die from sickness and battle. The sailors attack and rob ships. A man gets shot in the jaw and later a surgeon removes the lead ball. The terrible food-and-water conditions are described (bugs in meat and biscuits, slimy green water they had to strain through a handkerchief before drinking). It is mentioned that some soldiers urinated on a tree. Alexander gets sick from eating raw lobster ("He barely pulled down his breeches before his bowels loosened."). Temptation towards suicide is briefly addressed: "Lonely beyond belief, he picked up his musket. It was still loaded with powder and shot, his defense against savages who had never appeared. One pull of the trigger would solve the problem of being alone. Was this why Stradling had ordered the musket? he must have wondered. Sweet revenge on his rebellious mate who dared question his orders? Shaking, he thrust the musket clattering onto the rocks and made the decision to live." Goats and other creatures are killed for food. It is mentioned that Alexander feared that the cats would eat his body if he died in his hut. He remembers stories of cannibals roasting sailors and eating them. Alexander's death and burial at sea are described.

[Michael Cabello · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the story starts off it give the description of the terrible bread the crew would eat "not fit for weevils, The part of when alexander got marooned left with nothing besides a gun a single bullet, A hatchet, A kitchen knife, some bedding, A bible, And some clothes, living on the island would prove challenging to alexander however it left him ripped, the saddest part about the story to me was that despite coming home he never felt at home since the only place he felt solace at was his little cave on Juan Fernandez, All and all the story of Alexander Selkirk left a bitter taste for me because it shows that once you experience happiness and freedom and it leaves it will make everything else dull and loose all reason with motivation. However stories like this prove and show that no matter the crisis such as being left by your crew on an undiscovered island or a personal crisis from nowadays we can discover where we belong and that we have to stay with what makes us happy.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back matter includes Author's Note, Glossary, Selected Bibliography, and Index.

I was struck with the the author's 'inspiration.' Kraske came across a book in a used book store titled " The Fabulous Originals: Lives of Extraordinary People Who Inspired Memorable Character in Fiction" (1955). Alexander Selkirk was a chapter in this book and this fascinating story sent Kraske looking for more.

My copy is a discard from an elementary library - it's reader is a rare yet curious duck.

The fictional account "The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe" was originally published in 1719.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. I initially got it to add to our school curriculum as I believe it's supposed to be targeted at Middle School age. There are a few things that I wouldn't want my middle schooler to read about without my knowledge so we could discuss them. I think it's more appropriate for High School though the reading level is more Middle School.

I enjoyed reading the story and appreciate that the author also included details from Selkirk's life up to his death and not only his time on the island. It is a fascinating and short read.

[Library K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of the real man, Alexander Selkirk, behind the story of Robinson Crusoe. Selkirk was marooned alone on an island for 4 1/2 years in the 1700's. Quick read meant for 4th-7th grades.

[Scott Yonts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read, and an undeniably interesting true story, but it lacks the depth I usually look for in my historical nonfiction. I'm hoping to find a more thorough treatment of Mr. Selkirk's life.

[Rahul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evocative writing with the use of simple language. Highly recommended short travel read.

[Amy Webster-Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good, wish it had been longer and told more about the man Alexander and his adventures on the island but it was good fast read

[Ecpagnew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. No real depth.

[Mary E]

interesting, easy read

[Angela Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read about the real castaway that inspired Robinson Crusoe

[Ioannidesz Evjeniosz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Η Πραγματική Ιστορία Ενός Ροβισώνα!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Alexander Selkirk. He was a succesful navigator in the early 1700's. While sailing on a privateer he had a disagreement with the captain and was left on a deserted island. It tells of his experiences on the island, his rescue and his life afterwards.
The books also explains a lot about how wars between European countries were being fought in the ocean. The story of the marooning is so fascinating it creates an interest in that time period. It would be a good compliment while covering that in a history class.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is true to form. If a book about a marooned man catches your interest, then you will like this book. It's a short read. I thought it had an interesting start. It's not a "poor me, I've been abandoned on an island" sort of book. You feel as though he deserved to be left there. Lots of little details that didn't really interest me. The ending, though, was unexpected, and I sort of liked it. If anything, it's a short read that won't take too much of your time, if you choose to give it a try.

[Anne P. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The format suggests that it is a children's book.
Some of the language is also a little "school" sounding.
However the story is true, and riveting.

In addition, there were British ships called Privateers, which were sent to overtake Spanish cargo ships at this time. The career of Alexander Selkirk was very much influenced by this historical period of trade across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

[Aaron Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book Marooned: The Strange but True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe, because it talked about Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish mariner who survived four years on the of Juan Fernandez a small, remote island off the south coast of South America, by eating goats' and young seals' meat and drinking goats' milk. This book describes how he lived and how he survived. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good and short book to read.

[Shyam Parekh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical accounts of survival you'll ever read. Well written and fascinating. This is the true story of Alexander Selkirk, the actual basis for Robinson Crusoe. You can't read a much better true tale of survival. This story is a staple item for those who devour historical nonfiction.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is one of the Battle of the Books books and I read it to create questions for the competitions. I was slightly concerned about the interest level for the students, but after 1 or 2 chapters it got much more interesting. It proved to be a quick and interesting read.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one began slowly, but I can see the appeal for boys and those who like survival type books. The day to day details of a man marooned for over four years, later gaining fame and fortune, only to die on board a ship served as a model for "the real Robinson Crusoe."
recommended summer reading