Essentially, this series describes Peter's back story. Things like how he is able to fly, how he meets the people who will become Wendy's parents, how he develops relationships with the Indians of Mollusk Island, and the mermaids there, etc. We also learn about the back stories of other major characters such as Captain Hook, as well as how shadows work, and most importantly, what is the origin of "Starstuff", that strange substance that makes things fly.
But what's really great about these books, is that they are clearly in the YA market but they certainly do not simplify or otherwise dumb down the plot. This is fast paced, exciting adventure story telling with lots of edge-of-your-seat thrills but also with a good dose of characterization. The language style is pleasant to read and the plot is full of imagination. Just what a good book needs!
I didn't like that these have a TON of mistakes as compared to Barrie's original stories. It's like they didn't even try to be constistent. If they're part of the the same story, they should be. How can they have such disrespect?
ReplyDeleteThere is a faithful story based on Barrie's notes for more: Click!
And there's a great "other path" tale for grown-ups: Click!
Hope you like them...
BELIEVE!
I appreciate your point of view. But I have to disagree that there are a "ton" of mistakes. Most of what is different here is just explanations of how things came to be in Barrie's story...things he never actually explained.
ReplyDeleteI did look up the link you posted to the "other path" tale for grown ups and it seems like that takes things in an entirely different direction...Wendy romancing Capt Hook? Perhaps it makes for an intriguing read but would also seem to diminish your point about staying true to the original work...
Actually, I can see why you'd be concerned about the "romance." I had been, too. It can be misleading, as that's not really what it's about. It's in there, yes, but it's also sensical in context of that book. Jones has a great respect for the original works themes and characters and stays to true to the 'vibe' of Barrie, despite steering someplace else.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Barry/Pearson books... even changing how things came to be is terrible - since it's supposed to be part of the same tale. But it's not jsut "came to be" - thematic and fact-checking errors abound. Have a look:
List of Differences
OK, OK, I bow to your superior knowledge of all things Peter Pan. I can also agree that I dislike authors/storytellers ignoring the cannon of a classical work. For example, while I can enjoy watching the BBC's "Merlin" TV show, I deplore the way they seem to ignore the legends. I guess I am not near the Peter Pan afficianado that I am for Arthur or for Robin Hood lore.
ReplyDeleteBut I still like to read these books, obviously more for the storytelling than for anything else.
Thanks very much for bringing your comments to this forum :)