First published in 1719, Daniel Defoe's The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is often called the first English novel. It's written like a true autobiography, which makes you feel like you're reading Crusoe's private diary.

The Story

The book follows young Robinson Crusoe, who ignores his father's advice for a safe life and runs off to sea. After a series of misadventures, he's caught in a terrible storm and shipwrecked on a remote, uninhabited island off the coast of South America. He's the only survivor. The story then details, almost day by day, how he saves supplies from the wreck, builds a home, learns to farm, and makes pottery and tools. He wrestles with fear, despair, and eventually finds comfort in religion. For over two decades, his only companions are a dog, some cats, and a parrot he teaches to talk. The peace is shattered when he discovers a human footprint, leading to a tense encounter with cannibals and the eventual rescue of a man he names Friday. Their unique friendship becomes the heart of the later part of the story.

Why You Should Read It

You might think a 300-year-old book about a guy on an island would be slow, but it's weirdly addictive. There's something fascinating about watching someone solve basic human problems with zero resources. It's the ultimate DIY project. Beyond the survival manual stuff, it's a deep look at isolation. Crusoe's struggle with loneliness feels very real, even today. His relationship with Friday is complicated—it's a friendship, but it's built on a power imbalance that makes you think. The book makes you wonder how you'd hold up in his situation. Would you give up, or would you get busy building a better goat pen?

Final Verdict

This is a classic for a reason. It's perfect for anyone who loves survival stories, historical fiction, or just a solid adventure. If you enjoyed movies like Cast Away or games about building and exploring, you'll find the blueprint here. Some parts reflect the colonial attitudes of its time, which is worth keeping in mind as you read. But at its core, it's a timeless story about human resilience. Give it a chance, and you might be surprised by how much you root for a man arguing with his parrot.