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A review by aconstellationoftomes
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
3.0
3,5 stars
The best aspect of Peter Pan is how the atmosphere and tone evokes feelings that are perfectly in sync with the themes and concepts. There's a sense of whimsy, innocence, nostalgia, adventure and even bitterness. Neverland is unique and imaginative and the fictional world seems to bleed into reality.
The plot and characters are lacking, but the characters are symbolic because of what they represent. Peter Pan is morally grey. He is a self-absorbed child who is mischievous and doesn't care about consequences, but has moments of naivety and goodness. Captain Hook is meant to be the antagonist, but at times, Peter's dark side wins out. There's not much to say about the rest of the characters, aside from the following: the Darling parents are a riot, Nana is a treasure and Tinkerbell is so sassy.
This book is a product of its time and there is racism and sexism.
The ending is bittersweet, but I have issues with it.
This is a childhood classic that will appeal to both children and adults. On the surface, it's an adventure story about a boy who doesn't grow up, but there's a deeper meaning and so much to unpack.
“All children, except one, grow up.”
The best aspect of Peter Pan is how the atmosphere and tone evokes feelings that are perfectly in sync with the themes and concepts. There's a sense of whimsy, innocence, nostalgia, adventure and even bitterness. Neverland is unique and imaginative and the fictional world seems to bleed into reality.
The plot and characters are lacking, but the characters are symbolic because of what they represent. Peter Pan is morally grey. He is a self-absorbed child who is mischievous and doesn't care about consequences, but has moments of naivety and goodness. Captain Hook is meant to be the antagonist, but at times, Peter's dark side wins out. There's not much to say about the rest of the characters, aside from the following: the Darling parents are a riot, Nana is a treasure and Tinkerbell is so sassy.
This book is a product of its time and there is racism and sexism.
The ending is bittersweet, but I have issues with it.
Spoiler
Wendy is seen as a mother in Neverland, which is weird because she's still a child. When she grows up, she can't go to Neverland, so her female descendants take on her cleaning responsibilities, which is sexist. The bittersweet aspect is Peter Pan's loneliness. While people grow up and the world changes, there’s something sad about the fact that he remains the same and even forgets.This is a childhood classic that will appeal to both children and adults. On the surface, it's an adventure story about a boy who doesn't grow up, but there's a deeper meaning and so much to unpack.
“To die will be an awfully big adventure.”