I was not happy with the movie either. The part in the book when the kids are swimming near the island, diving for oysters or something and just loving the life of a kid was so moving, so touching to me. If you remember, both kids family lives were monstrosities yet their escape was so personal. Then, the scene when the tiger rescue him from the rape...unbelievable stuff. I am reading him again, not sure if I am ready for the emotional story which is going to happen, I just know it....