【Book Review】Peter Pan

Peter Pan

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Characters: ★★.5

Plot: ★★★★

Writing：★★★

       To be honest, I didn’t expect that I will have the intention of writing this review before finishing Peter Pan. Before reading this book, I have only watched the Disney cartoon movie, which only leaves a vague image in my memory since the last time I watched it was during my kindergarten years. I didn’t like this book at first, maybe the main reason is because it has such great difference in contrast with what is left in my memory. However, I decide to give this book four stars after all. I will explain my decision at the later part of my review. Since I don’t think it’s necessary for me to describe the plot of Peter Pan in detail, I will just briefly summarize the plot. Three siblings Wendy, Michael, and John are guided to fly away from their house by a mystery boy called Peter Pan, who previously only appears in Wendy’s dream. They have an adventure on a strange island called Neverland.

    Let’s begin with the characters. I only give it 2.5 stars, which has never happened before. Even some of those characters have redeemed themselves in the later story, I still really dislike them. At the beginning of the book, tinkle bell lets other boys shot arrows on Wendy due to her jealous toward Wendy. Don’t forget the fact that Wendy doesn’t die because of the kiss on her chest. If she doesn’t have any protection at all, she will definitely be deeply wounded. This scene shocked me because tinker bell’s character is so different from what I imaged her to be. Even she would rather face death in order to save Peter’s life in the later story, it doesn’t change my negative opinion of her. Also, Peter Pan is such a cocky character throughout the story; he doesn’t change at all. It gives me the feeling that he has been dictating the boys on the island, and he doesn’t feel that his behavior has anything wrong. The story also doesn’t explain why Peter sliced off captain Hook’s hand at the first place. If Peter Pan just does this because it’s cool, then no wonder why Hook wants to kill him. The only character that I like is probably Wendy, but my like of her still can’t make up my distaste toward other characters.

    The last chapter is the reason why I give the entire book four stars, and also the reason why I give the plot four stars. Peter Pan can never grow old. Now if I really consider this phenomenon, I  it is terrifying and cruel as well. When the boys from the island gradually become normal people in the society, and when Wendy grows up, gets married, and has a daughter, Peter Pan is still the same little boy just like the first time he appears in Wendy’s room. HE FORGETS. He forgets about Tinker Bell, who has loved him so much and even be willing to sacrifice her life for him. When Wendy mentions her name to Peter, he is indifferent to Tinker’s death. Even though I dislike Tinker, I truly feel sorry for her, for her to love an impossible person to return her love. Peter Pan forgets about his companions on the island; he can even forget captain Hook. He can laugh, cry, or get angry, but he can never feel remorse, guilty, or yearning. Those deeper feelings belong to grown-ups, and Peter will forever be a young boy. He lives in the moment and forgets about the past. The ending part is especially cruel and thought-provoking. I like it so much that I decide to revise my overall score.

    I don’t have too much to talk about the language. The author’s language is not really my cup of tea. I give it three stars because my feeling doesn’t lean toward either side. Overall, I really like the very ending of the book, so I change my rating and even spend time on writing this review. Peter Pan may only seem to be an interesting adventure story for children, but I believe many adults can feel the deeper emotions inside the book. By the way, I love the edition that I bought. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.