“Peter Pan” by J. M. Barrie
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Fantasy, Classic
Source: Gift
Summary from Goodreads:
It was Friday night. Mr and Mrs Darling were dining out. Nana had been tied up in the backyard. The poor dog was barking, for she could smell danger. And she was right – this was the night that Peter Pan would take the Darling children on the most breath-taking adventure of their lives, to a place called Neverland, a strange country where the lost boys live and never grow up, a land with mermaids, fairies and pirates – and of course the terrible, evil, Captain Hook. Peter Pan is undoubtedly one of the most famous and best-loved stories for children, an unforgettable, magical fantasy which has been enjoyed by generations.
Peter Pan is one of the many classics that I’ve somehow managed to overlook for most of my life. I’ve always known about it and know the general storyline but I never read it. That’s why I was so excited to read this for Classics Retold!
Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with the story. I really, really liked the idea of Neverland. I always love fantastical lands. The appeal of never growing up is a nice one. Not to mention there were lots of fun things going on around the island. Pirates, fairies, mermaids are just what you need for a magical island.
The story is really what was lacking for me. It wasn’t horrible or anything but I just didn’t connect with it. Probably the biggest problem was I read this for the first time as an adult and not as a child. Books like this tend to have just a bit more magic when you encounter them as a kid. I just didn’t feel that spark of wonder and amazement like I ‘should’ have felt.
The bottom line? It was okay.
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The Cheap Reader 
I enjoyed Peter Pan. I thought it was dated though. Wendy of course is made to do everything because she is a woman. That annoyed me! My review: http://angelasanxiouslife.blogspot.com/2013/03/project-disney-peter-pan.html
Angie
It is definitely a bit dated. That annoyed me as well!
Yeah, I think this is one you really have to read when you’re a kid to enjoy it. I haven’t even reread it as an adult–too many weird overtones now that I know a bit more about JM Barrie.
I can definitely see how that would taint your reread of the book. I’ll try reading it with my future children to see if I can get the spark.
Aww I still need to read this one. It sounds like it would be really fun but I’m a bit worried that I’d just end it feeling annoyed having read yours and Angie’s comments!
Hmm maybe find some kids to read it with? That might bring some of the magic that we were missing.