When I first started reading Peter Pan using the iBooks app, I had medium expectations. On the one hand, it’s a classic and the Disney movie was pretty great. On the other, there would probably be a good amount of racism towards Native Americans (mostly because the book was written in the 1800’s).
What I found when reading this novel version of the adventures was that it was pretty different from what I had envisioned.
Putting aside the underlying racism, it was an intriguing read. The narrator spoke as if the reader was floating along next to him watching the story unfold live. He also spoke as if he could affect the stories outcome by intervening. At times, this style seemed bizarre, but it did make the whole reading experience more interesting.
One thing that surprised me was that Peter Pan and Tinkerbell were both deranged narcissists. The Disney movie only shows a small hint of this, but mostly contains these characteristics to Tinkerbell. In reality, Peter Pan seemed to be the one with most of the issues. He gets short-term amnesia half the time, is delusional, and is a pathological liar. He’s way more damaged than the Lost Boys, who at least can tell the difference between make-believe and reality.
Tinkerbell is a more minor character in the book, and her few appearances are not flattering. Instead of being satisfied with cute bell ringing as her voice, the narrator translates for the reader. Her catchphrase? “You silly a–.”
Exactly.
Read this book if you’re looking for a quick read that will sidestep all the details you took for granted because of Disney. You won’t be disappointed.
Grade: B+ (bizarre story details)
