Kidnapped  (Paperback, Robert Louis Stevenson)

The novel begins with David Balfour, a seventeen-year-old orphan, setting out to claim his inheritance after the death of his father. However, he quickly finds himself in the hands of his treacherous uncle, Ebenezer Balfour, who plans to have David kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American colonies. Fortunately, David's fortunes take a turn when he crosses paths with Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite Highlander on the run. The two become unlikely allies and embark on a series of adventures, including surviving shipwrecks, evading capture, and navigating the treacherous Highlands. "Kidnapped" explores themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for justice. It also provides insights into the historical context of 18th-century Scotland, particularly the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising and the tensions between the Highlanders and the British government. Stevenson's vivid storytelling brings the Scottish landscape and its colorful characters to life. The novel showcases his skill in crafting suspenseful and action-packed scenes while delving into the psychological development of the main character.