Peter Pan

by J. M. Barrie

English language

Published July 15, 1985

ISBN:: 978-0-553-21178-8

(62 reviews)

Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up or Peter and Wendy, often known simply as Peter Pan, is a work by J. M. Barrie, in the form of a 1904 play and a 1911 novel. Both versions tell the story of Peter Pan, a mischievous yet innocent little boy who can fly, and has many adventures on the island of Neverland that is inhabited by mermaids, fairies, Native Americans, and pirates. The Peter Pan stories also involve the characters Wendy Darling and her two brothers, Peter's fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and the pirate Captain Hook. The play and novel were inspired by Barrie's friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. Barrie continued to revise the play for years after its debut until publication of the play script in 1928. The play debuted at the Duke of York's Theatre in London on 27 December 1904 with Nina Boucicault, daughter of the playwright Dion Boucicault, in the title role. A Broadway production was mounted in 1905 starring Maude Adams. It was later revived with such actresses as Marilyn Miller and Eva Le Gallienne. The play has since been adapted as a pantomime, a stage musical, a television special, and several films, including a 1924 silent film, the 1953 Disney animated film, and a 2003 live action production. The play is now rarely performed in its original form on stage in the UK, whereas pantomime adaptations are frequently staged around Christmas. In the U.S., the original version has also been supplanted in popularity by the 1954 musical version, which became popular on television. The novel was first published in 1911 by Hodder & Stoughton in the UK, and Charles Scribner's Sons in the US. The original book contains a frontispiece and 11 half-tone plates by the artist F. D. Bedford (whose illustrations are still under copyright in the EU). The novel was first abridged by May Byron in 1915, with Barrie's permission, and published under the title Peter Pan and Wendy, the first time this form was used. This version was later illustrated by Mabel Lucie Attwell in 1921. In 1929, Barrie gave the copyright of the Peter Pan works to Great Ormond Street Hospital, a children's hospital in London.

2 editions

Brett Hodnett reviewed Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Not what I expected but enjoyable

4 stars

Caution. Spoilers ahead

A young, magical, narcissistic sociopath named Peter meets a well-grounded kind girl, named Wendy, and her two brothers. Peter brings them to the magical land of stereotypes, where he rules over a murderous group of young boys whose membership is based upon the agreement that they will never grow up. This is ruthlessly enforced by Peter, who kills anyone who tries.

Wendy is quite enamoured by this cheery young despot, and he makes her the mother of the boys. They live in a kind of domestic bliss in Peter’s underground hideout, while venturing out and having many crazy adventures, mostly revolving around their rivalry with one of the stereotype gangs.

Caution. Spoilers ahead

Although Peter does what he can to stop them, eventually Wendy and her brothers manage to return home to their parents, bringing all the young boys in the gang with them. Wendy can then happily grow up, while the young boys grudgingly do so. Only Peter remains a child in the magical land, periodically visiting Wendy when his selfish moods move him too. Over time they fall into a pattern of annual visits where Peter takes Wendy’s children, and then grandchildren, and on through the generations to the magical land of stereotypes, but for no longer than one week.

If there is a moral to this story, perhaps it is that children really should grow up because they’re selfish little tyrants, and though it may be a joyful way of being in short doses, perhaps it’s not so great long term.

I really quite liked this book. It’s well written and entertaining, and the author’s way of normalizing the absurdly unreal is almost magical in itself.

georgewhatup reviewed Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Review of 'Peter Pan' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

A profoundly beautiful book.

I had never read this before, only knew it from the Disney movie. On the surface the two seem pretty similar but it takes a while to realise just how much is changed by those small alterations.

The innocent cruelty of Peter, the vague adolescent attraction, the extended ending. It all works to build this intensely touching story both honouring the joyful imagination of youth while at the same time showing how one day, it’s nice to grow up.

Perfect.

Benjamin Hollon reviewed Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Review of 'Peter Pan' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I decided to read Peter Pan for the first time. I absolutely loved it and wonder why I didn't get around to reading this book sooner. The best thing about Peter Pan is the tone it is written in. It's just right and keeps me interested. It's told as if the author is a bystander watching the story unfold with you. Absolutely amazing, I recommend this book so much.