W. H. G. Kingston, a master of 19th-century maritime adventure, delivers a gripping narrative of survival, fortitude, and unwavering faith in Alone on an Island. This classic Robinsonade follows Arthur, a young man whose life is brutally interrupted when a catastrophic tropical hurricane destroys his ship bound for the West Indies. Thrown into the churning sea, he is cast ashore on a small, uninhabited island, utterly alone and facing the ultimate test of his ingenuity and spirit. His immediate survival hinges on sheer resourcefulness, and Kingston meticulously chronicles Arthur's efforts to secure shelter, food, and defense in a lush but untamed environment. He salvages what he can from the wreck, constructs a secure dwelling, and learns to hunt and forage, establishing a routine that wards off despair through practical skill and determination.

However, Arthur’s solitude soon gives way to a new tension. While exploring, he discovers signs of earlier inhabitants—relics and markings that hint at previous shipwrecks and the potential presence of savage natives who use the island as a stopover. This looming threat introduces a constant element of psychological suspense, forcing Arthur to fortify his position and remain perpetually vigilant against human danger. The latter part of the novel details his long, arduous wait for rescue, where his trials become as emotional and spiritual as they are physical. He combats the crushing weight of loneliness and the temptation toward hopelessness, with Kingston presenting his deep religious piety and steadfast moral character as the anchor that prevents him from succumbing to madness. Alone on an Island is a compelling, character-driven adventure that is as much about the internal conquest of despair as it is about the external conquest of nature, culminating in a profound demonstration of how faith and resilience can triumph over absolute isolation.

Table of Contents:

• Alone on an Island (Full Story)