Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver

I've never read Gulliver's Travels, so I have no idea how this adaptation compares to the original.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed the snarky and tongue-in-cheek voice of this adaptation.

I hadn't realized Gulliver's Travels had so much social commentary in it, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

The numerous locales he visited and his adventures in them were enjoyable by themselves in their quirky and often nonsensical ways.

These were only heightened and exaggerated in the wonderfully imaginative and colorful illustrations.

I imagine it was a jab at these types of adventuring stories like Sinbad, etc.

But the way Gulliver kept showing up at home for a handful of months only to leave his poor wife and family behind drove me crazy.

That poor woman was just expected to wait around for him to return after years abroad in who-knows-where doing who-knows-what with no guarantee he would actually return to pay the bills.

And on his final arrival home he's bonkers and won't even speak to her. What a way to treat her!

It really makes you think about the sacrifices and hardships that families face when a loved one is constantly away on adventures.

Overall, this adaptation was an entertaining and thought-provoking read that I would recommend to others.

Reason for Reading: Read aloud to my son.

I've been on a long search for a truly good children's version of Gulliver's Travels. For years, I've been looking, and finally, I've found the perfect one that I'm more than happy to recommend to anyone who wants to read this book for pure enjoyment. I have a great love for Gulliver's Travels. It's a wonderful story, but the original version just isn't my cup of tea. I've read the original from start to finish. Usually, I'm all about reading the original classics, but Gulliver is an exception. Firstly, Swift's Gulliver is not really a children's story. It's a political and social satire of the 1700s. It's filled with references to personages and politics of that era that have no meaning at all to a 21st-century reader, unless, of course, you've studied the 1700s political scene yourself. The original is full of long, dull passages that might have been hilarious in 1726 but are just overly wordy and boring for the typical modern reader. There's really no point in subjecting a child to that. That's why most children's versions only include the first two chapters: the voyages to the land of the little people and then the land of the giants. But the last two voyages are also wonderful, and I've been seeking a version of this book that gets rid of the outdated chatter but keeps all four chapters complete. This book has achieved that. Plus, it adds illustrations by the comedic artist Chris Riddell, and we have a real winner.

This version of Gulliver doesn't miss any details or plot lines. All the voyages are covered. It's been a while since I read the original, but as far as I can tell, the "rude" bits have been left intact as well. The social commentary is still there, just reworded to be understandable to today's ears. The political satire has been maintained to a certain extent so that it's still relevant, and no specific personages are mentioned at all, except on the island of ghosts where he calls upon people from the past like Julius Caesar, Hannibal, and Alexander the Great. Gulliver still tries to describe his world of Yahoos with words like "They eat when they are not hungry and they drink when they are not thirsty." Social commentary that's still relevant today. The immortal Luggnuggians who have the gift of eternal life but not eternal youth are just as scary a concept now as they were then.

Chris Riddell's illustrations are exactly what you'd expect. They're wild, wacky, hilarious, and sometimes hauntingly eerie. A better artist couldn't have been chosen for this fantastic adaptation. In fact, it was seeing Chris Riddell as the illustrator that made me decide to give this version a try. At 164 pages, it might seem like the book doesn't have much substance, but don't worry. There's plenty of text here. The text is a little smaller than usual, but it's in an easy-to-read font. The book is wider than a regular-sized book, and there are many pages of text without illustrations, and the use of an illustration on a text page has also been quite frequent. There's plenty of story here! I highly recommend this version of "Gulliver's Travels" to anyone, young or old, who wants to read a faithful rendition of the book without having to endure the pages of mind-numbing 1700s political/social satire found in the original. Leave the original book to the scholars and enjoy this true adaptation for the pure enjoyment and humor that the book has to offer.

This retelling is truly remarkable as it features amazing illustrations.

I am currently reading it together with the children, and they are absolutely loving it.

The book serves as a highly interesting commentary on Colonial England.

It provides a unique perspective on that era, allowing both children and adults to gain a better understanding of the historical context.

The illustrations bring the story to life, making it even more engaging and captivating.

As we turn each page, we are transported back in time and can vividly imagine the scenes and characters described in the book.

It is not only a great source of entertainment but also an educational tool that can spark curiosity and a love for history in the hearts of the little ones.

Overall, this retelling is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

This book is truly hilarious and engrossing.

It has the power to make you burst into laughter with its witty humor and comical situations. The characters are so vividly portrayed that you can't help but get completely immersed in their stories.

From the very first page, it grabs your attention and doesn't let go until the very end. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read to brighten up your day or a captivating story to lose yourself in, this book is the perfect choice. It will leave you with a smile on your face and a sense of satisfaction.

A wonderful graphic novel-style illustrated Gulliver's Travels

This adaptation of Gulliver's Travels presents the classic story in a visually captivating way. The graphic novel format brings the vivid and imaginative world of Gulliver to life. The illustrations are detailed and colorful, enhancing the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the story. Each page is like a work of art, depicting the various adventures and encounters that Gulliver experiences. From his travels to Lilliput, where he is a giant among tiny people, to his visits to Brobdingnag, where he is a tiny being in a land of giants, the graphic novel-style illustrations add a new dimension to the narrative. It allows readers to immerse themselves in the fantastical world of Gulliver's Travels and experience the story in a unique and engaging way. Whether you are a fan of the original novel or new to the story, this graphic novel-style illustrated version of Gulliver's Travels is sure to delight and entertain.

Lemuel Gulliver had been hidden within the pages of one of my books on my shelf ever since I first read 'Gulliver's Travels' as a child. That was until I saw this beautifully illustrated and retold version of his adventures in a bookstore last week. The illustrations are so amazing that I just couldn't pass it up. And then it suddenly jumped to the top of my 7,000+ to-read pile!

Born in Nottinghamshire but living peacefully in his south London home, Lemuel took a job as a ship's surgeon on the 'Antelope' that set sail from Bristol on 4 May 1699. After a shipwreck, he escaped with five others in a lifeboat, but when it capsized, he was the only survivor. When he woke up, he found himself bound hand and foot on the island of Lilliput.

The little people of Lilliput were fascinated by him but kept him as a prisoner. However, as time passed, the court abandoned their plans to get rid of him and befriended him. He learned the language and advised them on their relations with the neighboring island of Blefusco. He became such a part of the community that when he decided to return to England, it was a sad day and the whole of Lilliput came out to see him off.

Back at home, his wanderlust got the better of him, and he embarked on a second voyage on the 'Adventure' on 20 June 1702. This time, he found himself in Brobdingnag, where, in sharp contrast to Lilliput, the inhabitants were giants. He was treated as a curiosity, but once he learned the language (he was very proficient in languages even before his voyages), he became a confidant of the King. He was carried around in a small box, made into a chamber, but when a giant eagle flew off with it, he had no choice but to leave Brobdingnag behind. Once again, after the eagle dropped him and he landed on an English ship, he made his way home, much to the delight of his wife, who was determined that he should not travel anymore. But she couldn't stop him.

So, on 5 August 1706, he was on his way again, this time to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubrib, and Japan. Plagued by pirates, he spoke in Dutch with the captain, who kindly set him adrift in a small boat with eight days' provisions. He was then picked up by pulleys in a chair and hoisted to a floating island by a people who had to have a flapper next to them so that they could be tapped on the mouth or ear to listen to anyone who spoke to them! More terrifying adventures followed, including a visit to Glubbdubrib, the island of Sorcerers or Magicians, where he was confronted by ghosts. He eventually went to Luggnagg and then to Japan, where he fell in with some Dutch sailors and finally returned to England once more.

His final voyage began on 7 September 1710, and after stops in Tenerife, Barbados, and the Leeward Islands, he was taken prisoner by a newly recruited crew and later put ashore, abandoned on a seemingly uninhabited beach. But the island was inhabited by some strange-looking shaggy creatures called Yahoos, who were ruled over by a colony of horses called Houyhnhnms! Surprisingly, he was befriended by the horses, and one of them became his master, with whom he often conversed and told all about the way his country operated. The Houyhnhnms couldn't understand how his country could possibly function the way it did, and eventually, they decided to let him return. So, they built him a boat and set him on his way. He was picked up by some Portuguese sailors and duly returned home to his family for the last time, arriving on 5 December.

Sixteen years and seven months of traveling were over, and he recorded his travels for posterity, noting that often travelers exaggerated their stories but insisting that he had always been completely truthful!

Martin Jenkins retells 'Gulliver's Travels' with empathy, preserving all the humor and social commentary that Swift offered in a way that will appeal to both young and old. And Chris Riddell's wonderful illustrations enhance the enjoyment of this remarkable book, both in content and in production.

A man vividly recounts his extraordinary adventures as he travels to strange and far-off lands. His tales are filled with excitement, mystery, and a sense of wonder. The places he visits are like nothing he has ever seen before, with unique cultures, landscapes, and people.

I found this book not only interesting but also deeply poignant. It manages to make some very good and moral points that really make you think. The author's writing is engaging and draws you into the story, making you feel as if you are right there with the man on his travels.

In addition to the wonderful storytelling, the illustrations in the book are truly great. They bring the strange lands and the man's experiences to life, adding another layer of depth and beauty to the overall reading experience. Whether you are a fan of adventure stories or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

This is actually a re-read.

Sunshine really liked it the first time, so she wanted to read it again.

Strangely enough, this time it turns out to be the most enjoyable reading of Swift that she has ever done!

The story seems to unfold more vividly in her mind, and she discovers new details and subtleties that she missed before.

The language is so rich and engaging that it draws her in completely.

Moreover, the pictures in it are also very beautiful.

They add another layer of charm to the whole reading experience, making the story come alive even more.

Sunshine can't help but be amazed by how much she enjoys this re-read and is looking forward to exploring more of Swift's works in the future.

It's truly a wonderful discovery that has brought her a lot of joy and inspiration.