A review for the "My Favorite Book" column

Some books have inspired countless writers and literary critics. Other works are so good they inspire producers and directors to adapt them into films. Some books are so captivating that we can read them repeatedly without getting bored. Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" is one such excellent work, and it is a book I am very passionate about!

Robinson Crusoe, a sailor from York, England, after many arduous sea voyages, was shipwrecked on a deserted island. He began his life on the island facing threats from wild animals, storms, potentially hostile indigenous people, and illnesses. Robinson remained stranded on the deserted island for nearly 28 years.

"Robinson Crusoe" is a work filled with optimism and a celebration of human labor and strength in the struggle for survival against nature. For me, the book taught me to love life, nature, and humanity, fostering an optimistic spirit and extraordinary resilience to overcome adversity and challenges that sometimes seem impossible.

He exemplifies diligence, creative hard work, and success. For instance, he sowed the remaining wheat seeds from the shipwrecked vessel's packaging, eventually producing loaves of bread after years on the island. He successfully domesticated the island's wild goats, raising them for meat and milk, and crafted ingenious items like clothes and hats from the island's animals.

The work "Robinson Crusoe" translated by Hoang Thai Anh. Photo: Kim Dong Publishing House.

Reading this work, we are drawn into Robinson's life and journey on the deserted island. It is truly moving to read chapters about him and his dog, the only other survivor of the shipwreck. There is also the talking parrot he taught and the native Friday, the first person Robinson met and rescued after years of solitary life on the deserted island.

I have read this book many times, but only later, upon opening the back cover, did I learn: "Daniel Defoe's work 'Robinson Crusoe' ranks second on The Guardian's list of the 100 greatest novels written in English."

Even after closing the book, I vividly recall the first day Robinson left his family, abandoning home to answer the call of the sea: "Disregarding immediate circumstances and future consequences, I immediately boarded the ship setting sail for London..." And the day of his return home: "This voyage was truly smooth sailing. I set foot in England, my beloved homeland, on 11/6/1687, after 35 years away from my country" and 28 years stranded on the deserted island.

"Robinson Crusoe" is a book I love; if you haven't read it, you should seek it out!

Tra My

Grade 9/6 student

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