Review of Five on a Treasure Island

The First Story in Enid Blyton's Classic Famous Five Series

Apr 22, 2009 Tristania Currie

Julian, Dick and Anne meet their tomboy cousin George for the first time and it's not long before they are caught up in their first exciting adventure together.

Enid Blyton's Five on a Treasure Island was first published in 1942 and has never been out of print since then. This was Enid Blyton's first adventure in the Famous Five series and it is in this book that Julian, Dick and Anne meet their cousin George for the first time.

The Character of George

At the beginning of the book George is presented as a rather sullen, obstinate and self-possessed young girl. She is clearly used to getting her own way as she is apt to fly into a rage if thwarted. George refuses to answer to her real name of Georgina as she wishes she was a boy. With her short curly her and penchant for boyish clothes, her appearance is that of a tomboy – she just loves it when the locals refer to her as 'Master George'!

Timmy the Dog

George adores her mongrel dog Timothy who equally adores his mistress (perhaps that should be master!). In this first book of the series George has to keep Timmy a secret from her parents and as a consequence she spends all of her pocket money on paying for Timmy's board and lodging with a local fisher boy. However, by the end of the book she is granted her dearest wish and Timmy comes to live with her both at home and her new boarding school.

Five on a Treasure Island

The island in question is Kirrin Island which belongs to George's mother, Julian, Dick and Anne's Aunt Fanny. George has been taught to take ownership of this island and has spent many hours exploring its ruined castle and beaches with Timmy. At first she is not best pleased when her parents make it clear that she is expected to entertain her cousins when they arrive unexpectedly to spend the summer holidays at Kirrin Cottage. She is, after all, an only child who prefers to reject offers of friendship. Her cousins manage to persuade her to show her precious island to them and George learns to enjoy sharing what means most to her.

Adventure on Kirrin Island

The real adventure begins when the children are allowed to spend several days and nights alone on the island. The discovery of a hidden stash of gold ingots and the arrival of a band of threatening men with revolvers makes for a dangerous time for the five. The teamwork and quick thinking of the children saves the day and the adventure concludes with a happy outcome for George's family.

Like this? Why not look at Five Go Adventuring Again?

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Five on a Treasure Island