RETURN TO ROBINSON – SYNOPSIS
TITLE:
Return to Robinson Island
Inspired by the “original” Swiss Family Robinson book written in 1812 by Johann David Wyss, Return to Robinson Island is a continuation of the adventures of the Robinson family fifteen years after their famous shipwreck.
LOG LINE:
When rumors of a vast treasure trove on Robinson Island surfaces in England in 1815, the Robinson family must use all of their ingenuity and skill to protect their home from conspiring men and fight to save themselves and the treasure.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
It’s been fifteen years since the Robinson Family’s famous shipwreck on a remote island in the East Indies, and Ernest Robinson, now twenty-seven, is a 1st Lieutenant in the British Royal Navy. Ernest has distinguished himself as a fearless fighter, respected leader, and loyal friend, but when his commanding officer, Captain Charlie, is court-martialed on war crimes, Ernest’s has no choice but to tell the truth – even if his testimony sends his former Captain to prison.
Later, when reports that a vast treasure trove has been found on Robinson Island reaches England, Ernest is abducted, and his family finds themselves in mortal danger when Captain Charlie vows to retrieve the treasure and wreak revenge on the entire Robinson family.
Will the Robinson Family survive this latest attack? One thing is certain; they won’t give up the island – or the treasure – without a fight!
Note to Reader:
Return to Robinson Island includes important facts from the original Swiss Family Robinson book. For example, how did the Robinson’s end up on Robinson Island (New Switzerland) in the first place? For convenience, it is NOT necessary for readers to read the original book in order to understand the family and their way of life. The past and the new are woven seamlessly together.
Original Swiss Family Robinson story by Johann David Wyss:
The Swiss Family Robinson, written by Johann David Wyss, is about a family who learns to survive on a remote island. Published in 1812. The Swiss Family Robinson adventure story is about a family who originally lived in Switzerland. Following the French Revolutionary war of 1798 and after losing all their possessions, they left Switzerland to begin a new life elsewhere. First, they traveled to England, and after a short time, they decided to immigrate his family to Port Jackson, Australia. At the time there was much excitement in the pursuit of sharing the light of the gospel with the distant lands. William Robinson, the father, had been a pastor in Switzerland and was excited to share the gospel in distant lands. His plan was to become a free settler and use his knowledge, both practical and theory, to open his own church in the new land.
However, during their journey to Port Jackson, they momentarily stopped by the island of Otaheite to gather provisions. Leaving the island, they sailed off the coast of New Guinea when a violent storm arose that drove their ship violently off course. For days, they were tossed to and fro in the midst of a terrible storm and were driven off course until eventually running aground on a remote island in the East Indies. When the storm subsided, the Robinsons search the ship only to find they were the only survivors.
The Robinson family exited the ship and made the remote island their new home. They learn to survive and thrive using the natural resources on the island. The book is a story that involves the study of nature, plants, relationships, adventure and values that allowed the Robinsons to live in peace and abundance. In essence, Johann David Wyss taught his family how to survive and love.
Above is an illustration of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house from
John Lovell's 1869 translation of Johann David Wyss's book.