Peter Pan In Kensington Gardens (1906) - Plot & Excerpts
Wow, what a read! I really quite enjoyed it. My favorite part was the way in which the story was told, as if to a very young child. From beginning to end, it felt just like the silly things my parents and grandparents told me before I was school-age. I was reminded so strongly not simply of childhood memories, but of what it actually feels like to exist—mentally and physically—as a tiny child. I think the author did a splendid job remembering/observing the way children think and then putting that to paper. I had to stop myself making Kindle highlights every other sentence. The fairytale- and fable-like tidbits about the way fairies live, the reason the birds behave this way, even why trees have “crutches”, it was just magical to read. I was smiling the whole time.I do have to mention that the ending was a bit sudden and shocking. Perhaps I interpreted it wrong, but it seemed like the author was implying that Peter might be accidentally burying babies alive! I’ve heard that Peter behaves so violently in the more well-known Peter Pan story, but it was still a surprisingly dark way to end this tale.Even if this book had not been about the famous Peter Pan, I still would have enjoyed it (though I may not have had reason to seek it out if it hadn’t been so well-known). It read more like a collection of fun bedtime stories, rather than a specific chapter in a character’s overarching mythos. I really liked it and I hope J.M. Barrie’s other works are just as delightful. This review may contain some spoilers. I still can't believe he was really 7 days old...but I guess it's not supposed to be logical considering it's Peter Pan. But in the original book, he is like 12 isn't he? I don't know. I could imagine it better if he was at least 4 or 5 but that's the logical side of me. Also, whay was yhe purpose of the little girl? It felt like a brwak in the story and starting a whole new story with a different main chatacter. And the ending was tragically sad when you think about it. You really don't get second chances...but you do get more opportunities
What do You think about Peter Pan In Kensington Gardens (1906)?
Too twee for me. Some interesting bits of writing and background on Peter, however.
—Court
Mine is the 1910 edition from the same publisher. Gorgeous illustrations.
—Clim100
Read Chinese version, looking forward to reading the English version
—tjbarney
Fantastic. An amazing piece of work by J.M. Barrie
—fran
