Book Review: Island of the Blue Dolphins

The story is written by Scott O'Dell. It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, the "Lone Woman of San Nicolas", a Nicoleño Indian marooned for 18 years on San Nicolas Island off the California coast before being rescued in 1853.

The main character is a girl named Karana ,who is marooned for 18 years. Her people live in a village called Ghalas-at on the island. One day, a ship of Aleuts, arrive and persuade the natives into letting them hunt sea otter on the island in return for other goods. However, the Aleuts lie to the islanders and try to leave without paying them. When they are confronted by Chief Chowig, a battle breaks out, taking lives on both sides. The tribe is devastated by the battle while the Aleuts leave the island, leaving little payment for the otters they hunted.
Later, an elder tribe member leaves the island for help. Eventually he is able to send a ship to bring his people to the mainland. Although Karana urges the captain to wait for her brother Ramo to return, the ship must leave before an approaching storm makes it impossible to leave. Karana jumps off the ship and swims to shore. The siblings live alone on the island for a while, hoping the ship will return.
Karana makes a life for herself. She builds a home, and even stocks a cave with provisions in case the Aleuts ever come back, so she can hide from them.One summer, the Aleuts return, She takes refuge in the cave she has stocked. She observes them closely, and soon realizes that there is a young woman among them who takes care of the domestic duties. Despite Karana's precautions, Karana and the young Aleut woman meet and befriend each other. Karana realizes how lonely she has been without other people.
One day Karana sees the sails of a ship. She goes to the shore to meet the boat. The ship sails away, bringing Karana to the mission in Santa Barbara. Karana realizes that this is part of her new life.

After finishing the book, i realise that its not easy to live alone. Losing the love ones and still be able to live through the agony and hardship. Karana is diligent and assiduous, living her life to the fullest. She never gives up on her life, perservering to the end. Constructing a friendship with the island's animals and reciprocating with the animals. Learning skills of the opposite gender, helping her to survive better in life. I hope to learn from her, being independent.