Robert Merle takes the historical pretext of Mutiny on the Bounty to discourse on a theme dear to his heart (and developed 10 years later in Malevil), namely the organization of life in society with its own rules and customs.
A reflection on the relationship to the other and the difference, about friendship and tolerance
I think "The Island" is not worth what masterpiece "Malevil" but I had a lot of fun to follow Lieutenant Purcell in his adventures ...