First published just 6 years after the eruption of Krakatoa, ‘Blown to Bits’ by Scottish author R.M. Ballantyne is set against the backdrop of this seismic environmental event. Nigel Roy is first mate aboard his father’s ship the ‘Sunshine’ when they feel an ominous change in the weather. In the storm that ensues their ship is badly damaged, and they are forced ashore on the Cocos Islands. While exploring this new and unfamiliar place, Nigel has all kinds of escapades – and makes plenty of new friends along the way. Based on real events ‘Blown to Bits’ is a fascinating adventure story by the popular author R.M. Ballantyne.