The Island Queen

"The Island Queen" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. This adventurous tale of survival is set in the Southern Ocean and follows the trials of the Rigonda family, particularly the siblings Dominick, Pauline, and Otto, as they navigate the challenges of being shipwrecked on a desolate island. The story captures their struggle against starvation, their resourcefulness in the face of danger, and their indomitable spirit as they seek rescue. At the start of the book, the Rigonda siblings find themselves adrift in a small boat after a shipwreck, battling starvation while clinging to hope. Dominick, the eldest brother, demonstrates bravery and selflessness as he prioritizes the survival of his sister and younger brother over his own. The opening chapter sets a tense atmosphere, detailing the dire condition of the castaways and their desperate prayers for rescue. As they encounter the sight of a seemingly wrecked ship on the horizon, their hopes rise, only to be dashed by the realization they may be alone on a deserted shore. Thus begins their arduous journey of survival, marked by ingenuity and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Michael Ballantyne was a Scottish author of juvenile fiction, who wrote more than a hundred books. He was also an accomplished artist: he exhibited some of his water-colours at the Royal Scottish Academy.