Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up, is one of the immortals of children's literature. J. M. Barrie first created Peter Pan as a baby, living in secret with the birds and fairies in the middle of London, but as the children for whom he invented stories grew older, so too did Peter, reappearing in Neverland, where he was aided in his epic battles with Red Indians and pirates by the motherly and resourceful Wendy Darling. Peter Pan has become a cultural icon and symbol for escapism and innocence, remaining popular with both children and adults.
James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. He was born and educated in Scotland and then moved to London, where he wrote several successful novels and plays.
The son of a weaver, Barrie studied at the University of Edinburgh. He took up journalism for a newspaper in Nottingham and contributed to various London journals before moving there in 1885. His early Auld Licht Idylls (1889) and A Window in Thrums (1889) contain fictional sketches of Scottish life representative of the Kailyard school. The publication of The Little Minister (1891) established his reputation as a novelist. During the next decade, Barrie continued to write novels, but gradually, his interest turned towards the theatre.
In London, he met Llewelyn Davies, who inspired him about magical adventures of a baby boy in gardens of Kensington, included in The Little White Bird, then to a "fairy play" about this ageless adventures of an ordinary girl, named Wendy, in the setting of Neverland. People credited this best-known play with popularizing Wendy, the previously very unpopular name, and quickly overshadowed his previous, and he continued successfully.
Following the deaths of their parents, Barrie unofficially adopted the boys. He gave the rights to great Ormond street hospital, which continues to benefit.
About 10 years after my mom read this story to me for the first time, I still remember everything about it! After reading it by myself, I stumbled across a few sentences I remembered vividly, and it felt like magic! J.M. Barrie creates a masterpiece of a world, Neverland, in which Pirates, Natives, and The Lost Boys all participate in antics on the island. Peter's stubborn, mischievous, and childish traits made me laugh almost anytime he said or did anything. The ending of the story, where Wendy's daughter ends up going with Peter to Neverland, brought me to tears, as did the moral of the story. All children must grow up.
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Overall it was a fantastic read! I loved Peter Pan and the lost boys. As a Peter Pan film fan this novel shed new light onto the character of Peter Pan. Loved John and Michael. Wendy's daughter Jane is introduced in the last chapter which was interesting. I thought it was intriguing the way J.M. Barrier described Hook, Smee, the pirates themselves and the Red Skins. Such a classic tale, and entirely enchanting. From the moment I picked it up, I was welcomed into Peter and Wendy's world. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've long adored this story in every version, but had never read the original! Still, it's so familiar, so well written I can see why so many authors have continued or added to this tale in their own way. I love how Barrie knows Peter is over the top egotistical, but somehow manages to make the reader adore him anyway, much like every character adores him, except for Hook. I would love to own a copy of this original story.
I had only seen the movies but never read the book, it is a rather delightful children's story written in a way to be read to them. The book matches mostly what happens in the original cartoon, but there are several elements that show up in the movie hook too. Overall a very enjoyable read and a fun kids book
I wanted to read this book because it was suggested that I read it before reading Jessa Hastings "Never". I will say this is not your Disney Peter Pan. I suggest listening to the audio while reading along, especially if you are not used to reading original classics.
I read this with Henry (7) and Hannah (5). This story really captures the magic imagination provides as well as the beauty stories bring to our lives. What a heart wrenching story! The ending was terrifically done. I appreciate when there is a thorough explanation of how everyone gets on.
There are definitely differences between the book and the many movie versions. For one thing, Peter is more selfish and maybe a little more cruel. Still this was a good read.
I wish I read this book as a child because it actually added so many colorful layers to the story that I would’ve appreciated exploring at a younger age. Really beautiful and has so much to offer.