This classic has been on my to-read radar for many, many years. I bought Everland, a steampunk retelling of Peter Pan, and felt that it would behoove me to read the original first.
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Thinking and feeling went hand in hand for this book. The only thing I thought or felt was: what am I missing?
This book has a such a loyal, devoted fanbase over the course of more than 100 years--so much so that there is a statue of Peter in Kensington Gardens. And yet. . . and yet. . . I don't see the appeal.
It was an okay fairy story; were I to review it I'd probably give it three stars. The plot wasn't as adventurous as I'd expected, nor as engaging or even interesting. I certainly wasn't enamored of Peter, nor is he a hero to be emulated. The other characters were okay, but not special in any way. Hook was the only one that seemed fleshed out. Neverland--this fantasy island I'd heard so much about--wasn't very impressive. Sure, there are "Redskins" and mermaids and pirates, but, the adventures were just not very exciting.
I fully realize that this was a play first, then it was made into a novel. I expected that Barrie might not be as adept at description as conversation, but I can't even imagine how this would be enthralling as a play. Is it because they fly on stage?
Truly, I'm flummoxed. Fans of Peter Pan, shout me down and share all the magic that I am just not finding.
