Sounds familiar, right? But I think you are probably thinking of the Disney version, and even though it has been a long time since I saw the Disney movie, I'm pretty sure their version is without actual killing, without Wendy and Tinker Bell pining over Peter and where Tink's jealous actions nearly kill Wendy. The Disney version also doesn't really discuss Mr. & Mrs. Darling's heartbreak and breakdown after discovering their children have left them. Disney also kind of leaves out satiric description of the Darling's concern of their appearance to others so that while they know they must have a Nurse to watch the children, they can only afford a dog, Nana, to take the position.
Disney comparisons aside, I was also struck by the manner in which the story is told. I understand that this was first written as a play in 1904, and then published as a book a few years later in 1911. It doesn't read as if it had been a play, but rather like a story being told orally. The voice of the narrator/author is incredibly strong, goes on some tangents, and asserts himself into the story rather boldly. This could be a fun book to read aloud, even if only parts at a time. Peter Pan is definitely a timeless classic!
*****
Peter Pan
by J.M. Barrie
Watermill Press, 1987. First Published 1911.
172 pages
Source: Library
*****
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9 comments:
I should really read this. My favorite screen version of Peter Pan is the one that stars Mary Martin as Peter. I love that one.
I've always wanted to read Peter Pan and this review has made me want to read it more! Another to add to the to be read pile..
Oh Heather- I forgot about that version!
I've never read this, but I think I saw the play when I was really little at the local community theater. I have a faint memory of Nana. It sounds like one I should make an effort to read though. Glad you enjoyed it! (Don't forget to link your post at the event page!)
peter pan has been on my list for a while....now i want to get to it sooner rather than later....
I can't believe I've never read this book- it sounds amazing. Hopefully I can get my hands on a copy soon.
Great review!
It's so interesting the way that people imagine classics to be, and how classics are often quite different than that - particularly those made into movies! I've not read Peter Pan yet, but maybe I will - I love a strong narrator!
The play is also hugely enjoyable to read. It has some curious non=play like features such as elaborate asides or "stage directions" that cannot possibly be meant for the actual stage.
I read this 7 or 8 years ago and was also struck by the differences between the Disney version, the theatre version, and the novel version! Bambi is another story we most know from Disney that is very different if you read the 'real' version!
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