Book Review: FIVE ON A TREASURE ISLAND

Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton

Five on a Treasure Island is the first book in the Famous Five series, chronicling the first adventures of cousins Julian, Georgina (better known as George), Dick, Anne and George’s faithful dog Timmy. As the first book in the series it is an excellent introduction to our main characters, all of whom are well fleshed out and given distinct personalities: Julian is the responsible, most mature one, often caring for and watching out for the others; George is a tomboy, more rash and hot-headed, but is nevertheless smart and quick-witted; Dick, although similar in temperament to George, is distinguished by his loyalty and daring; and Anne, the most motherly one, and although a little cowardly at times, is still a brave child. Despite having several protagonists, Blyton does well in distinguishing the characters from one another and giving them memorable personalities and traits, making them characters that will stay with the reader long after you have read the book.

Another thing done well is the gradual reveal of George’s character. Initially, when Julian, Dick and Anne come to visit, George is antagonistic and nasty towards them, desperately trying to make them feel unwelcome and drive them away, to the point that readers may even begin to dislike her extreme character. However, Blyton balances this out by showing us glimpses of her softer, kinder side, through her thoughtful treatment of her dog Timmy, whom she treats better than herself. By showing us a softer side to George, this makes the later change in George (as she becomes more welcoming and nicer to her cousins) more palatable, as it is not too abrupt and jarring. We also come to admire George’s extreme character - although she can be extreme in her dislike of someone, she is also capable of extreme kindness and generosity, to the point that she is willing to share her island, Kirrin Island, with her cousins. This makes George a very likable character, one that the readers are fully able to root for.

As with many of her other stories, Blyton succeeds in teaching her readers correct morals and values throughout the course of the book. When the children are in danger of being trapped in the dungeon, it is George who bravely volunteers to sneak out and inform the police while the others distract the antagonists, in spite of the dangers to her if she is caught by the bad guys. Indeed, she manages to inform the police and lead them to the dungeons, saving her cousins and defeating the bad guys. This teaches children that it pays to be courageous, as it is only with courage that you will succeed in overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.

Five on a Treasure Island may be a children’s book, but it definitely succeeds as a mystery novel. Despite the use of simple language, Blyton is able to keep the plot tight enough to create suspense and this allows the reader to feel immersed in the story. It is definitely a good mystery novel, as Blyton manages to keep the plot from being too predictable.

However, a flaw in this book is the seeming gender discrimination. Of the cousins, it is usually Julian who comes up with plans to outwit the enemy, and either George or Dick who carries out the plans; Anne, described as being the most “girly” and “feminine”, often does not have much to do with the action and generally does not contribute much to helping the group when they are in trouble. Furthermore, although George is a girl, she often expresses a desire to be a boy instead, wearing boyish clothes and having extremely short hair; the praise that makes George happiest is when her father tells her that she is “as good as a boy any day”. This seems to bring across the idea that boys are more capable than girls, and that it is better to be a boy than a girl, and this is something that is rather stereotypical and might be upsetting to some readers. Still, if one keeps in mind that this book was first published in 1942 (71 years ago! in the midst of WWII!), given the context of gender roles then, the rigidity and stereotype of gender roles in the story is less offensive, if not understandable.

In conclusion, Five on a Treasure Island is a fun, fast-paced book with distinctive, likable characters, in particular George. Although it is not without its flaws, it is definitely a book worth reading.

Rating: 4/5

For ages 9 and above.