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dawndiscusses 's review for:
Peter Pan
by J. M. Barrie
4 fairydust-sprinkled stars
I liked this a lot more than I expected to.
Peter Pan is a classic most people think they know, but I found the actual story to be far more layered, strange, sad, and mature than its whimsical reputation suggests. Yes, it’s playful and full of fantastical charm - I mean you have a crocodile with a clock in its belly terrorising Neverland, a nursemaid who’s a dog, fairies and three otherwise unassuming children flying off to Neverland to join a life of fighting and foraging. It’s all in good fun, but beneath the adventure is a story about the bittersweet loss of innocence, the cycles of life, and the cost of refusing to grow up.
Peter is an endlessly fascinating character, you can understand why he's become such an enduring figure. Yes he's cheeky and rude and incredibly selfish but he's also able to balance being funny, stubborn, wild, and deeply sad in a way only a child frozen in time could be. You see why everyone is drawn differently to him - to want to scold him, mother him, hold him, follow him. I found myself really drawn to his characterisation. Some of the others surprised me too. Tinker Bell is jealous and mean-spirited in a way I didnt expect, Hook is a surprisingly compelling and insightful villain and Wendy’s journey captures a kind of coming-of-age arc that touched me more than I expected. That in addition to the host of interesting and fairly fleshed out side characters was a pleasant surprise. I can't believe how much I enjoyed the Darlings, particularly Mr. Darling.
I also found the narration to be really good, and I think listening to this on audio really helped this come alive. The storytelling is full of personality and perspective, never pretending to be neutral. There are clear moments of satire and dry wit that made me smile, and flashes of raw honesty about childhood and dying that caught me off guard. The world itself is vivid, imaginative, and full of odd, memorable detail.
That said, there are aspects that haven’t aged well and have imparted a real stain on th legacy of this book, none more glaring than the portrayal of Native American characters. It was undeniably offensive and stereotypical, with very little care for cultural truth or dignity. I liked their inclusion in the story, I think they work well for the world but really really really wish they had been written with more care, respect and complexity. It's easily my least favourite part of the book and it left me with a sour taste.
Overall, Peter Pan surprised me quite a bit. It's not just a tale detailing fun times, adventure, or warnings to children about the dangers of never growing up - it was surprisingly humorous, reflective and well-written save a few unsavory depictions. I recommend this for readers of all ages, interested in whimsy, fantasy and reflecting on what it means to grow up. I'd also really recommend the audiobook for a truly immersive experience.
I liked this a lot more than I expected to.
Peter Pan is a classic most people think they know, but I found the actual story to be far more layered, strange, sad, and mature than its whimsical reputation suggests. Yes, it’s playful and full of fantastical charm - I mean you have a crocodile with a clock in its belly terrorising Neverland, a nursemaid who’s a dog, fairies and three otherwise unassuming children flying off to Neverland to join a life of fighting and foraging. It’s all in good fun, but beneath the adventure is a story about the bittersweet loss of innocence, the cycles of life, and the cost of refusing to grow up.
Peter is an endlessly fascinating character, you can understand why he's become such an enduring figure. Yes he's cheeky and rude and incredibly selfish but he's also able to balance being funny, stubborn, wild, and deeply sad in a way only a child frozen in time could be. You see why everyone is drawn differently to him - to want to scold him, mother him, hold him, follow him. I found myself really drawn to his characterisation. Some of the others surprised me too. Tinker Bell is jealous and mean-spirited in a way I didnt expect, Hook is a surprisingly compelling and insightful villain and Wendy’s journey captures a kind of coming-of-age arc that touched me more than I expected. That in addition to the host of interesting and fairly fleshed out side characters was a pleasant surprise. I can't believe how much I enjoyed the Darlings, particularly Mr. Darling.
I also found the narration to be really good, and I think listening to this on audio really helped this come alive. The storytelling is full of personality and perspective, never pretending to be neutral. There are clear moments of satire and dry wit that made me smile, and flashes of raw honesty about childhood and dying that caught me off guard. The world itself is vivid, imaginative, and full of odd, memorable detail.
That said, there are aspects that haven’t aged well and have imparted a real stain on th legacy of this book, none more glaring than the portrayal of Native American characters. It was undeniably offensive and stereotypical, with very little care for cultural truth or dignity. I liked their inclusion in the story, I think they work well for the world but really really really wish they had been written with more care, respect and complexity. It's easily my least favourite part of the book and it left me with a sour taste.
Overall, Peter Pan surprised me quite a bit. It's not just a tale detailing fun times, adventure, or warnings to children about the dangers of never growing up - it was surprisingly humorous, reflective and well-written save a few unsavory depictions. I recommend this for readers of all ages, interested in whimsy, fantasy and reflecting on what it means to grow up. I'd also really recommend the audiobook for a truly immersive experience.