“All children, except one, grow up.”
— J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Boy oh boy, did I miss out on a classic! Everyone seems to be born knowing the story of Peter Pan. Well, actually, I speak on behalf of all 90s kid here. The animated movie version of Peter Pan is so well encrusted into our culture that we barely even need to be thought about it to know who on earth this kid is. I mean, think about it. Peter, freaking, Pan. The small, dipped in green, bright smile, flying boy. Oh, and let’s not forget his trustee side-kick that seems just as hard to forget about. Tinker Bell? Gosh. These two magically presents themselves in our minds at the mere mention of their names. Talk about a legacy. But wait. There’s a catch. Peter Pan isn’t just about some boy with a fairy and some crazy place called Neverland. Oh, no, no, no. Peter Pan is actually so much more. The only way to find out is through his classic story written by the one and only J.M. Barrie. If you thought you knew Peter Pan, think again. His adventures are of the most unexpected kind. They are topped off by a very sad ending that has yet to reach the minds of every fan of the movie adaptations.
Peter Pan. The boy who represents everlasting youth and eternal joy. Who would’ve thought that this cocky child could have so much juice in him. He’s pompous, energetic, light on his feet, arrogant, stubborn and forever young! Reading this, you can see all the splendid things that comes from never growing up, but you’re always left with that nagging feeling in the back of your head that asks you if such a life is actually self-actualizing. I mean, does anyone in Peter Pan’s situation actually reach a point where he’s fully exploited his potentials? J.M. Barrie’s novel helps us reflect on so many elements of life, and all that thanks to children’s tale. Upon finishing this classic, you’re also bound to realize the sadness that clouds this story. If that ending doesn’t put all the adventures you’ve went on with Peter Pan into retrospective, I don’t know what would. Then again, let’s not water down the unique and fictional world that the author was able to create. Fairies, pirates and mermaids? All in one? And even more? That’s wild.
The story also strongly focuses strongly on mother figures and their unconditional love towards their children. It’s fascinating to read all the make-belief actions that the kids in Neverland do just to make something real for them. As delusional as they may be in their need of a mother figure and their desire to see it within Wendy, it sometimes rubs off a little too strong and wildly throughout their adventures. In fact, it’s not just Peter Pan who wishes for a mother that would actually love him, it’s basically every single boy out there. J.M. Barrie isn’t shy in making it evident that he acknowledges a strong role for mothers in the growth of children. While everyone wants to stay young forever, readers still find out that childhood is not meant to last till the end of times. That growing up will catch up to us. But that doesn’t mean that we should all put our little childish devil in all of us aside. On the contrary. What this novel showed me is the importance of childhood, of mothers (and fathers today?) and of life’s fairness.
I still found the Captain-Hook-and-the-crocodile subplot one of the most lyrical part of the book. I mean, that was one hell of a pirate’s tale! If there’s anything I would’ve loved to see more, it’s definitely those two. Those were glorious moments of my read of Peter Pan, that’s for sure. Peter Pan is one of those classics that we take for granted as a easy story to tell and not have to read. Hell, it’s even easier to just watch its animated adaptations or its 1001 live-action adaptations, and feel like Peter Pan was one of our long lost buddies in a parallel universe. After reading this for the first time, I’ll have to say that it’s far from what you’d expect. It delivers a completely different story with completely different messages. And the mere delivery makes Peter Pan worth the read. You’ll even be up for a treat when you find out what Tinker Bell likes to say when she has something to say!
Check out Trang’s review of Peter Pan if you haven’t already!
Did you read Peter Pan yet? What did you think about it?
You haven’t read it, you say?
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MY OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆/
Roars and Echoes 
It’s interesting to read your review as I’ve never read Peter Pan; it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you know a book because of iconic film adaptations!
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I know right? When I wasn’t as enthusiast about books as I am now, I never really thought about how much a book could differ from the movies I’ve watched. And when it comes to those classic stories that everyone seems know, the difference between movie and book hits you even more! 😛
– Lashaan
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I have the book on my shelves, but I don’t remember that much about the book’s story, though the characters are forever fresh in my mind, I guess they’re classic, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, and you can’t easily forget about them 🙂 You made me want to re-read the book so badly ❤
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Exactly what I mean! I’m happy to hear that I’ve stimulated a desire to read the book now! 😛 I’m sure it won’t be what you expect from Peter Pan or Tinker Bell! Hope you enjoy your re-read! 😀
– Lashaan
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Wow! What an amazing review!! 👍🏼
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Thank you so much! That really makes me happy! 😛
– Lashaan
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You’re very welcome! Glad I could make you happy today 😊
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Ooh, I’ve loved Barrie’s Peter Pan for a long time now–it’s a favorite of mind. The tone is so very British, and I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the darkness and the sadness. Plus it’s funny. Great and thorough review! 😀
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Thank you so much for the kind words! 😀 The language is quite British, in fact! It sure did bring some very humorous moments and yet still jab in some dark lines here and there. I have to mention how it sometimes felt segmented between chapters, and a big pile of adventures as a whole. I hear this book has an “official sequel”, one that I never hear anyone talk about. I wonder if it’s really worth checking out. :O
– Lashaan
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McCaughrean’s Peter Pan in Scarlet? It’s good; she’s a good author. Definitely a different tone and focus from the original, but i found it interesting. 🙂
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Yes! That one! Welp, that just tilted the balance favorably for the sequel. 😛 Might as well try it out if I ever find myself a copy.
– Lashaan
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This is a wonderful review! I cannot believe I haven’t read Peter Pan yet, because I claim to be such a fan of all things Peter Pan. Ugh, I need to get on this, haha. Sounds just like my type of book.
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Thank you so much! Surprising to realize that isn’t it?! I would’ve said the same if I didn’t have that..almost 15 years old copy of Peter Pan stalking me. I’m glad I went through it though! Now I can happily tell anyone that I know Peter Pan! At least J.M. Barrie’s original version of it.😀 I hope you’ll find the book just as interesting as I did when you get the chance to read it!
– Lashaan
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I always liked Peter Pan as a kid, and have seen several movies based on the classic. Maybe I should read the original at some point as well – a lot of the Disney Classics are fun, but don’t delve into the real depth behind the story.
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Indeed! I guess it can also be applied to a lot (if not all) movie adaptations of books. A lot of it is untold through the cinematic experience, especially cause books are the only way to truly deliver a certain message in a particular way. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie does show us that there are some interesting differences between the book and the movies.
– Lashaan
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More so with Disney classics, because there’s a touch of the “mothers” narrative in the live action Peter Pan movie from around 10 years ago. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is the perfect example of Disney changing the themes and overall mood. The Disney movie has a mostly happy ending, while the original book is horrifically tragic.
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I guess we owe it to Grimms’ Fairy Tales for some of these adaptations to have such a light-hearted, children-friendly story-telling too!
– Lashaan
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