Treasure Island

As part of my summer of classic novels, I read Treasure Island (by Robert Louis Stevenson). To me, the novel seemed a pure adventure story. However, on the back cover of the B & N Classics edition, Prof. Angus Fletcher sez:

The unexpected and complex relationship that develops between [Long John] Silver and Jim helps transform what seems at first to be a simple, rip-roaring adventure story into a deeply moving study of a boy's growth into manhood, as he learns hard lessons about friendship, loyalty, courage, and honor -- and the uncertain meaning of good and evil.

On a side note, the name of the "Long John Silver" quick-service seafood restaurants now makes sense. Long John Silver was the ship's cook on the journey to Treasure Island. (I don't know if they have any of those fast-food joints here in Montana.)