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Peter Pan: J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up, is one of the immortals of children's literature. J. M. Barrie first created Peter Pan as a baby, living in secret with the birds and fairies in the middle of London, but as the children for whom he invented stories grew older, so too did Peter, reappearing in Neverland, where he was aided in his epic battles with Red Indians and pirates by the motherly and resourceful Wendy Darling. Peter Pan has become a cultural icon and symbol for escapism and innocence, remaining popular with both children and adults.
- GenresAudiobook
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2021
39 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Barrie
2,307 books2,222 followersJames Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. He was born and educated in Scotland and then moved to London, where he wrote several successful novels and plays.
The son of a weaver, Barrie studied at the University of Edinburgh. He took up journalism for a newspaper in Nottingham and contributed to various London journals before moving there in 1885. His early Auld Licht Idylls (1889) and A Window in Thrums (1889) contain fictional sketches of Scottish life representative of the Kailyard school. The publication of The Little Minister (1891) established his reputation as a novelist. During the next decade, Barrie continued to write novels, but gradually, his interest turned towards the theatre.
In London, he met Llewelyn Davies, who inspired him about magical adventures of a baby boy in gardens of Kensington, included in The Little White Bird, then to a "fairy play" about this ageless adventures of an ordinary girl, named Wendy, in the setting of Neverland. People credited this best-known play with popularizing Wendy, the previously very unpopular name, and quickly overshadowed his previous, and he continued successfully.
Following the deaths of their parents, Barrie unofficially adopted the boys. He gave the rights to great Ormond street hospital, which continues to benefit.
The son of a weaver, Barrie studied at the University of Edinburgh. He took up journalism for a newspaper in Nottingham and contributed to various London journals before moving there in 1885. His early Auld Licht Idylls (1889) and A Window in Thrums (1889) contain fictional sketches of Scottish life representative of the Kailyard school. The publication of The Little Minister (1891) established his reputation as a novelist. During the next decade, Barrie continued to write novels, but gradually, his interest turned towards the theatre.
In London, he met Llewelyn Davies, who inspired him about magical adventures of a baby boy in gardens of Kensington, included in The Little White Bird, then to a "fairy play" about this ageless adventures of an ordinary girl, named Wendy, in the setting of Neverland. People credited this best-known play with popularizing Wendy, the previously very unpopular name, and quickly overshadowed his previous, and he continued successfully.
Following the deaths of their parents, Barrie unofficially adopted the boys. He gave the rights to great Ormond street hospital, which continues to benefit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 26, 2024
It's a lot darker than I imagined. The crocodile is a star as always. The ending was sadder than I expected too.
December 31, 2024
A mere cameo from Tiger Lily! I definitely see the appeal of Neverland and would go immediately as soon as the ticking crocodile is removed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
Gak nyangka kalau buku Peter yang ini tuh se-dark itu. Mother issues yang dialami Peter bener-bener dalaaammm banget. 😢💔
Aku masih suka Peter sebagaimana di buku sebelumnya—sewaktu dia masih di Kensington Gardens. Malah bisa dibilang rasa sukaku makin bertambah.
Ketika melihat Peter, kadang aku bertanya-tanya, apakah dia sosok representasi manusia yang murni?—Dia memiliki sisi kejam, tetapi dia juga memiliki hati yang baik. Dia tak segan menghunus belati jika bahaya mengancam dirinya, pun meski dia mengalami mother issues, hatinya tersentuh ketika melihat air mata ketulusan seorang ibu dari orang lain—padahal tak lama sebelumnya dia meyakini dan menyerukan kepada anak-anak hilang, bahwa semua ibu di dunia adalah orang yang jahat. 💔
Hatiku bagai ditusuk jarum ketika menyaksikan Peter pada akhirnya membiarkan Wendy pulang. Dia juga tidak keberatan dengan apa pun keputusan anak-anak hilang yang memilih meninggalkan Neverland demi mendapatkan kasih sayang seorang ibu. Peter tak masalah dengan kesendirian.
Jauh di lubuk hatinya, sejatinya Peter juga amat membutuhkan seorang ibu, dia ingin tahu seperti apa rasanya disayangi ibu, seperti apa rasanya dininabobokan dengan dongeng-dongeng oleh ibu, tetapi dia terlalu takut untuk mempercayai sosok bernama ibu lagi. Akhirnya, dia memilih melepaskan semua orang yang selama ini membersamainya dan memutuskan kembali ke Neverland seorang diri—hanya ditemani makhluk kecil, Tinker Bell.
Seluruh pengalaman pahit dan rasa sakit yang dialami membuatnya menolak tumbuh dewasa. Baginya, tumbuh dewasa juga pasti akan jauh lebih rumit, dia tidak suka hal-hal seperti itu.
Ada satu moment di mana melihat Peter membuat air mataku mengalir tak tertahankan. Yaitu, ketika dia kembali ke rumah Wendy, dan menyaksikan Wendy telah tumbuh dewasa dan memiliki seorang anak. Peter tak ingin percaya, tapi itulah kenyataannya. Sehingga dia jatuh terduduk dan menangis terisak-isak. 💔😢 Rasanya aku ingin menyerobok masuk ke dalam barisan-barisan aksara, menemui Peter dan memeluknya—seperti yang Wendy lakukan.
Dia begitu lugu sehingga tidak tahu menahu, bahwa tumbuh dewasa adalah proses alamiah yang tidak mungkin bisa ditahan oleh manusia mana pun—hanya Peter manusia yang dikecualikan (sebab ia hanyalah dongeng 😢).
Sebelum baca buku ini aku beberapa kali menonton Peter Pan versi animasi anak-anak.
Versi animasi lebih ramah anak, dan lebih sederhana. Di mana menonjolkan begitu jelas pihak mana yang protagonis dan mana yang antagonis.
Versi novelnya, antara Peter Pan dan Kapten Hook keduanya kadang terlihat sama-sama antagonis.
Di suatu waktu aku juga melihat adanya kebaikan dari dalam hati Kapten Hook, tetapi dia berusaha menolak itu. Dia terus menanamkan kepercayaan, bahwa semua orang adalah jahat dan harus menjadi jahat sama seperti dirinya. Entah apa yang terjadi dengan Kapten Hook di masa lalu, sehingga melihat Peter Pan melakukan tindakan kejahatan membuat hatinya lega. Aku masih belum mengerti bagian ini.
Terlepas dari itu, aku suka banget sama endingnya, heart warming. 🫶💖 Senang bertemu denganmu, Peter. 💝
Aku masih suka Peter sebagaimana di buku sebelumnya—sewaktu dia masih di Kensington Gardens. Malah bisa dibilang rasa sukaku makin bertambah.
Ketika melihat Peter, kadang aku bertanya-tanya, apakah dia sosok representasi manusia yang murni?—Dia memiliki sisi kejam, tetapi dia juga memiliki hati yang baik. Dia tak segan menghunus belati jika bahaya mengancam dirinya, pun meski dia mengalami mother issues, hatinya tersentuh ketika melihat air mata ketulusan seorang ibu dari orang lain—padahal tak lama sebelumnya dia meyakini dan menyerukan kepada anak-anak hilang, bahwa semua ibu di dunia adalah orang yang jahat. 💔
Hatiku bagai ditusuk jarum ketika menyaksikan Peter pada akhirnya membiarkan Wendy pulang. Dia juga tidak keberatan dengan apa pun keputusan anak-anak hilang yang memilih meninggalkan Neverland demi mendapatkan kasih sayang seorang ibu. Peter tak masalah dengan kesendirian.
Jauh di lubuk hatinya, sejatinya Peter juga amat membutuhkan seorang ibu, dia ingin tahu seperti apa rasanya disayangi ibu, seperti apa rasanya dininabobokan dengan dongeng-dongeng oleh ibu, tetapi dia terlalu takut untuk mempercayai sosok bernama ibu lagi. Akhirnya, dia memilih melepaskan semua orang yang selama ini membersamainya dan memutuskan kembali ke Neverland seorang diri—hanya ditemani makhluk kecil, Tinker Bell.
Seluruh pengalaman pahit dan rasa sakit yang dialami membuatnya menolak tumbuh dewasa. Baginya, tumbuh dewasa juga pasti akan jauh lebih rumit, dia tidak suka hal-hal seperti itu.
Ada satu moment di mana melihat Peter membuat air mataku mengalir tak tertahankan. Yaitu, ketika dia kembali ke rumah Wendy, dan menyaksikan Wendy telah tumbuh dewasa dan memiliki seorang anak. Peter tak ingin percaya, tapi itulah kenyataannya. Sehingga dia jatuh terduduk dan menangis terisak-isak. 💔😢 Rasanya aku ingin menyerobok masuk ke dalam barisan-barisan aksara, menemui Peter dan memeluknya—seperti yang Wendy lakukan.
Dia begitu lugu sehingga tidak tahu menahu, bahwa tumbuh dewasa adalah proses alamiah yang tidak mungkin bisa ditahan oleh manusia mana pun—hanya Peter manusia yang dikecualikan (sebab ia hanyalah dongeng 😢).
Sebelum baca buku ini aku beberapa kali menonton Peter Pan versi animasi anak-anak.
Versi animasi lebih ramah anak, dan lebih sederhana. Di mana menonjolkan begitu jelas pihak mana yang protagonis dan mana yang antagonis.
Versi novelnya, antara Peter Pan dan Kapten Hook keduanya kadang terlihat sama-sama antagonis.
Di suatu waktu aku juga melihat adanya kebaikan dari dalam hati Kapten Hook, tetapi dia berusaha menolak itu. Dia terus menanamkan kepercayaan, bahwa semua orang adalah jahat dan harus menjadi jahat sama seperti dirinya. Entah apa yang terjadi dengan Kapten Hook di masa lalu, sehingga melihat Peter Pan melakukan tindakan kejahatan membuat hatinya lega. Aku masih belum mengerti bagian ini.
Terlepas dari itu, aku suka banget sama endingnya, heart warming. 🫶💖 Senang bertemu denganmu, Peter. 💝
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
James Barrie was merely talking about himself and his elder brother David, when he told the story of Peter Pan to his friend's children (both boys, whom he later unofficially adopted). He immortalised his brother David, who had died of an accident just before his 14th birthday, in the best possible way. In Peter Pan, David lived on as a young boy, for ever and ever. In the process, Barrie gave the world one of the greatest children's books of all time. This book by him was the forerunner to what JK Rowling would achieve decades later - Peter Pan was the first book about an imaginary character to achieve cult status in the form of plays, movies, and merchandise.
But the most endearing thing about the protagonist of the book - the boy Peter Pan who refused to grow up - is that every single child and adult can see a bit of themselves in Peter. And there is always a Wendy to match every Peter. And every such Peter fights the thought of growing up, which is so boring, full of silly responsibilities, and heart breaks. Who wants all that? But then, Barrie points out that while remaining a young, careless, carefree free boy may have its advantages, it comes with its own baggage - of seeing others around you grow up inexorably. In the book, Barrie lets the cycle of Peter and Wendy (equivalent) carry on, while in the most memorable movies spawned by the book, different other destinies have been explored. One must read the book for experiencing the sheer joy of Barrie's imagination. But the movies, especially the eponymous cartoon version, and the ones featuring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman are a must too. They are the best way to let the Peter inside us fly to our heart's content.
(This review is based on many, many re-readings of the book, but prompted by browsing it today, the 14th of March 2025, while packing books for my grandson’s bed-time stories).
But the most endearing thing about the protagonist of the book - the boy Peter Pan who refused to grow up - is that every single child and adult can see a bit of themselves in Peter. And there is always a Wendy to match every Peter. And every such Peter fights the thought of growing up, which is so boring, full of silly responsibilities, and heart breaks. Who wants all that? But then, Barrie points out that while remaining a young, careless, carefree free boy may have its advantages, it comes with its own baggage - of seeing others around you grow up inexorably. In the book, Barrie lets the cycle of Peter and Wendy (equivalent) carry on, while in the most memorable movies spawned by the book, different other destinies have been explored. One must read the book for experiencing the sheer joy of Barrie's imagination. But the movies, especially the eponymous cartoon version, and the ones featuring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman are a must too. They are the best way to let the Peter inside us fly to our heart's content.
(This review is based on many, many re-readings of the book, but prompted by browsing it today, the 14th of March 2025, while packing books for my grandson’s bed-time stories).
February 25, 2025
I thought that the book was really well done.
I have seen the movie several different times and I think it was worth the read.
It is about a boy named Peter Pan who never wants to grow up and to stay a boy forever. He finds his way in order to do that and he really enjoys his ability to do just that.
One day he finds himself in London England and he looses his shadow at the Darlings. When Peter goes to retrieve it he meets Wendy who he befriends and he wants to take on many different adventures.
Wendy persuades him to take her brothers with them to Neverland where they all have so many different adventures especially with Peter's fairy Tinkerbell.
Wendy, her brothers and 4 of the lost boys end up coming back to London but Wendy does on occasion go back to Neverland to hear of Peter's adventures. Soon enough Wendy does grow old but her daughter Margret takes her place and goes to Neverland and then it is Margret's daughters turn to go and have some adventures of her own!
I have seen the movie several different times and I think it was worth the read.
It is about a boy named Peter Pan who never wants to grow up and to stay a boy forever. He finds his way in order to do that and he really enjoys his ability to do just that.
One day he finds himself in London England and he looses his shadow at the Darlings. When Peter goes to retrieve it he meets Wendy who he befriends and he wants to take on many different adventures.
Wendy persuades him to take her brothers with them to Neverland where they all have so many different adventures especially with Peter's fairy Tinkerbell.
Wendy, her brothers and 4 of the lost boys end up coming back to London but Wendy does on occasion go back to Neverland to hear of Peter's adventures. Soon enough Wendy does grow old but her daughter Margret takes her place and goes to Neverland and then it is Margret's daughters turn to go and have some adventures of her own!
December 13, 2025
I have always enjoyed this story in its various forms, but I have never read the original Peter Pan by Barrie. It was better than I anticipated and filled with much more sorrow than I imagined. I loved the narrator. This would be an excellent study for older students.
"All children, except one, grow up."
The story opens with Wendy picking flowers in a garden for her mother, who wishes Wendy could remain a child forever. However, from then on, before even turning two, Wendy realizes she will eventually grow up.
“Oh, why can’t you remain like this forever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.“
“You need not be sorry for her (Wendy). She was one of the kind that likes to grow up. ”
"All children, except one, grow up."
The story opens with Wendy picking flowers in a garden for her mother, who wishes Wendy could remain a child forever. However, from then on, before even turning two, Wendy realizes she will eventually grow up.
“Oh, why can’t you remain like this forever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.“
“You need not be sorry for her (Wendy). She was one of the kind that likes to grow up. ”
December 23, 2024
About 10 years after my mom read this story to me for the first time, I still remember everything about it! After reading it by myself, I stumbled across a few sentences I remembered vividly, and it felt like magic!
J.M. Barrie creates a masterpiece of a world, Neverland, in which Pirates, Natives, and The Lost Boys all participate in antics on the island.
Peter's stubborn, mischievous, and childish traits made me laugh almost anytime he said or did anything. The ending of the story, where Wendy's daughter ends up going with Peter to Neverland, brought me to tears, as did the moral of the story.
All children must grow up.
J.M. Barrie creates a masterpiece of a world, Neverland, in which Pirates, Natives, and The Lost Boys all participate in antics on the island.
Peter's stubborn, mischievous, and childish traits made me laugh almost anytime he said or did anything. The ending of the story, where Wendy's daughter ends up going with Peter to Neverland, brought me to tears, as did the moral of the story.
All children must grow up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Overall it was a fantastic read! I loved Peter Pan and the lost boys. As a Peter Pan film fan this novel shed new light onto the character of Peter Pan. Loved John and Michael. Wendy's daughter Jane is introduced in the last chapter which was interesting. I thought it was intriguing the way J.M. Barrier described Hook, Smee, the pirates themselves and the Red Skins. Such a classic tale, and entirely enchanting. From the moment I picked it up, I was welcomed into Peter and Wendy's world. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
I've long adored this story in every version, but had never read the original! Still, it's so familiar, so well written I can see why so many authors have continued or added to this tale in their own way. I love how Barrie knows Peter is over the top egotistical, but somehow manages to make the reader adore him anyway, much like every character adores him, except for Hook. I would love to own a copy of this original story.
January 1, 2024
I had only seen the movies but never read the book, it is a rather delightful children's story written in a way to be read to them. The book matches mostly what happens in the original cartoon, but there are several elements that show up in the movie hook too. Overall a very enjoyable read and a fun kids book
February 9, 2025
Definitely more dark than expected, for example in the last scene where Peter Pan almost stabs Jane with his knife, or when he wants to close the window so that Wendy and her brothers think that their mom forgot about them. If I read this as a child I would be slightly traumatized, but maybe that’s just me. Always an experience to read classics, and clearly the times have changed since 1904.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
Having grown up with the Disney version, I honestly didn't enjoy this much.
I thought Peter was a horrible boy and had little sympathy for him. It was also far more violent than I expected - so much death and murder or pirates and 'redskins'.
It was interesting to read the original story, but not one I liked
I thought Peter was a horrible boy and had little sympathy for him. It was also far more violent than I expected - so much death and murder or pirates and 'redskins'.
It was interesting to read the original story, but not one I liked
January 18, 2024
I wanted to read this book because it was suggested that I read it before reading Jessa Hastings "Never". I will say this is not your Disney Peter Pan. I suggest listening to the audio while reading along, especially if you are not used to reading original classics.
November 26, 2024
I read this with Henry (7) and Hannah (5). This story really captures the magic imagination provides as well as the beauty stories bring to our lives. What a heart wrenching story! The ending was terrifically done. I appreciate when there is a thorough explanation of how everyone gets on.
May 1, 2025
Classic story, it's pretty similar to the Disney adaptation. However, some of the ides presented are dated. The portrail of Natice Americans and the adoration/glorification of recklessness and ego are harmful to children
May 10, 2025
3/5 ⭐️
I'm not sure how I feel about the main character. He is selfish,but so is every child,but the unkind part,especially where he kills people and forgets about it....umm...what the actual f....I liked Wendy and the adventures in this book,but Peter,I don't know.
I'm not sure how I feel about the main character. He is selfish,but so is every child,but the unkind part,especially where he kills people and forgets about it....umm...what the actual f....I liked Wendy and the adventures in this book,but Peter,I don't know.
July 28, 2023
A bit too much misogyny for me to properly enjoy the story.
July 30, 2023
História imortal Há em cada um de nós um bocadinho de Peter Pan, que James Barrie cristalizou no seu livro.
December 30, 2023
Schwierig. Fest verhaftet in der Entstehungszeit, viel zu brutal für Kinder. War mal meine absolute Lieblingsgeschichte. Aber Disney hat gelogen.
February 24, 2024
Audio Length:05:17:00
March 23, 2024
Youtube
May 31, 2024
Read aloud
July 13, 2024
Was way fun to listen to.
October 29, 2024
There are definitely differences between the book and the many movie versions. For one thing, Peter is more selfish and maybe a little more cruel. Still this was a good read.
January 9, 2025
I adore the writing style of Barrie!
January 21, 2025
Lovely detail, this really does make me realize the sad aspects of growing up ... I did shed some tears 😢 the ending😭
September 15, 2025
It's a classic fun story for children and a good way to get into old English writing. The story is cute and love the symbolism.
December 30, 2025
mega astrengend gsi das zläse
December 14, 2025
There’s something haunting beneath the whimsy that really stood out to me. This felt less like a children’s story and more like a meditation on growing up, loss, and the cost of never changing. Surprisingly poignant.
April 28, 2024
I wish I read this book as a child because it actually added so many colorful layers to the story that I would’ve appreciated exploring at a younger age. Really beautiful and has so much to offer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews