Monday, February 2, 2009

Dr. Franklin's Island


Here's a book I read a while back and haven't gotten out of my head. It's a take on the H. G. Wells classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, except this time the unfortunate guinea pigs are three young people. The wide-eyed youths are part of a conservation group en route to a fabulous jungle adventure in Ecuador, but they suffer more adventure than they bargained for when a terrifying air disaster lands them in the ocean. Most of the party are deep-sixed in the crash while Semi, Miranda, and Arnie survive to find themselves stranded on a mysterious island. As bad luck would have it (for them, but not the reader) a mad scientist has also taken up residence on the island.
Trouble ensues as the tale plows full steam ahead in a surprisingly creepy direction. It's a fun read if you want a break from cotton candy, syrupy smiles, and a world where things work out just fine.

Dr. Franklin's Island by Ann Halam, published by Random House Children's Books, 2002.

Give it a read and tell me what you think.

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