Alice Sit-By-The-Fire

by J.M. Barrie

1919. Sir James Matthew, Baronet Barrie a Scottish journalist, playwright, and children's book writer who became world famous with his play and story about Peter Pan, the boy who lived in Never Land, had a war with Captain Hook, and would not grow up. One would like to peep covertly into Amy's diary (octavo, with the word Amy in gold letters wandering across the soft brown leather covers, as if it was a long word and, in Amy's opinion, rather a dear). To take such a liberty, and allow the reader to look over our shoulders, as they often invite you to do in novels (which, however, are much more coquettish things than plays) would be very helpful to us; we should learn at once what sort of girl Amy is, and why today finds her washing her hair. We should also get proof or otherwise, that we are interpreting her aright; for it is our desire not to record our feelings about Amy, but merely Amy's feelings about herself; not to tell what we think happened, but what Amy thought happened. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Genres: Plays, Classics, Fiction

124 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

James 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.

Reviews

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: Very funny comedy, full of misunderstandings. A married couple returns from India to meet their three children, whom they have not seen for two years. Everyone feels insecure. The daughter overhears an inconsequential conversation and smells a triangle between her parents and a family friend. Believing that life is like theater plays, she decides to save her mother from her ignominy. The mother enters the game and manages to win the affection of her children.

ESPAÑOL: Comedia muy divertida, plagada de equívocos. Un matrimonio vuelve de la India para encontrarse con sus tres hijos, a los que no ven desde ace dos años. Todos se sienten inseguros. La hija escucha una conversación intrascendente y se huele un triángulo entre sus padres y un amigo de la familia. Creyendo que la vida es como las obras de teatro, decide salvar a su madre de la ignominia. La madre entra en el juego y consigue ganarse el cariño de sus hijos.

[Mariangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comedy of errors involving a young girl who has watched too many theatre plays, and determines to save her mother.

[Clinton Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play is amazing to read. J.M. Barrie handles stage directions as only a novelist could. Very interesting way to write a play, though I think for production a lines only script might be easier for the actors to learn lines.
This is a touching yet funny look at what it means to be a parent, an independent woman, a tween and even an audience member. A playful homage to both families and the theatre.

[Ceejay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play by J.M. Barrie is amazing. It is really laugh out loud funny. It could easily be done as a screwball comedy film in the 1930's. If you enjoy comedy with a silly twist or two or three, then read this beauty. Mr. Barrie should certainly be remembered for more than just Peter Pan.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrie is one of those writers once considered a genius but whose work has been largely forgotten. It's unfortunate because reading this play was a true joy -- it's a very sexist play but has some hilarious lines. Like for instance:

“the three start to their feet as if Philippi had dawned”

It was made into a movie with the fantastic John Lund in the 40s -- the movie is hilarious too once the plot gets rolling.

[Semantic Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A play with occasional narrative description. Half-grown children meet their parents for the first time. Shenanigans result. All ends sweetly. Definitely reminds me why I like reading J.M. Barrie -- his tone for children is very direct, but he also slides in the cutest little asides for the older members of his audience. Delightful stuff.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so funny; a cute story of parents and children trying to relate to one another despite the vast differences in how they see the world. This play was adapted into a movie, called "Darling, How Could You", in the 1940s.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought. The absent parents. Not a new phenomenon.