Gulliver’s Travels | Jonathan Swift | Book Review | A Must Read Classic Book
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift is one of the most popular classic books. Featuring an English Surgeon’s adventures as a ship Captain as he travels to the remote parts of the world, this book is a popular children’s book too! So, read book summary, age rating, release date, genre, book quotes, and book review of Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift in this post below.
About Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift:
No. of Pages: 240 Pages
Release Date: 1726
Genre: Humour, Satire, Classics, Action, Adventure
Age Rating: 8 years and above
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Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Book Summary:
Lemuel Gulliver was a surgeon and also loved to travel. This book, divided into four parts, narrates his adventures travelling to the remote parts of the World. During his travels, he is shipwrecked and washed ashore on an island inhabited by tiny people called the Lilliputians who make him a prisoner.
The first part deals with his adventures on Lilliput. Then the second part of the book tracks his adventures on Brobdingnag where he is abandoned by his companions and found by a farmer. Thus starting his misadventures on this land inhabited by huge people.
Then the third part takes Gulliver to the flying Island of Laputa. This is the home of mathematicians and artists who are unable to use their talents to practical ends. And finally, the final part of the story leaves Gulliver meeting the Houyhnhnms who are a race of horses ruling the Yahoos, the humans in their base form.
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Book Review:
First published in 1726, this book got immediate popularity and has never gone out-of-print since. Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift who was a clergyman as well as an Irish writer, is a satire on human nature as well as a parody of the “traveller’s tales” literary sub-genre. Also considered the best work by Swift and also an English literature classic, Cavehill in Belfast is thought to be the inspiration for this book.
The book is also a satire on the state of the European government. Swift questions whether a man is inherently corrupt or does he become corrupt with time and company. This book is valid even today and one can relate the events to the hypocrisy, corruption and politics of the human race prevalent in the present times.
Undoubtedly, philosophers are in the right when they tell us that nothing is great or little otherwise than by comparison.”
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Book Quote
Writing style, Plot, and Characterisation:
This made me reflect, how vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavor to do himself honor among those who are out of all degree of equality or comparison with him.”
GULLIVER’S TRAVELS BY JONATHAN SWIFT BOOK QUOTE
The book is written in the first person with Gulliver as the narrator.
Then writing is simple and feels almost bland. There is no self reflection or any emotional touch to the narration.
The plot is meticulously planned and executed. And it shows that Swift knew exactly what he wanted from each scenario/character in the book.
Also the development of the characters is admirable and the reader is able to visualise and connect with each behavioural shift in their nature. Gulliver, who is practical and initially abhorred by politics and the viciousness of people. But, he, gradually, changes to a man with a hard attitude who is no longer shocked by the hypocrisy and the politicking nature of the humans.
So, a satire that is valid even today, Swift is successfully able to shed light on several aspects of human nature.
Difference in opinions has cost many millions of lives: for instance, whether flesh be bread, or bread be flesh; whether the juice of a certain berry be blood or wine.”
GULLIVER’S TRAVELS BY JONATHAN SWIFT BOOK QUOTE
Conclusion:
This is an intelligent piece of work and I was hooked till the very end. And then was left to reflect on what I had just read. So, a book that raises questions when read by adults, it is also capable of being read by children who will find it humorous, witty and imaginative. This is the beauty of the book as well the genius of the writer. A must read. 4.5 out of 5 stars to Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, and Njkinny recommends this book to everyone.
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