Play Book Tag discussion

We all know the story about Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, the Darling children and especially Wendy who becomes the mother for the Lost Boys in Neverland. Oh and we know Captain Hook, the epitome of a blood-thirsty pirate, and naughty sexy jealous and loyal Tinkerbell.

Or do we?

I saw Sandy Dennis star in it the Broadway musical adaptation, more than once...her flight out over the audience, at a simpler time for stage tricks, was a thrill!.. There is a tape of the musical, starring Mary Martin from just before I was born, as the original Broadway Peter Pan, that used show up on PBS sometimes...also a joy. But the quintessential for my generation is the animated Disney version from 1953 which inspired my favorite Disney ride. In truth, the Disney version is sweeter than any other. The book adaptation of the play is bloody, dark and sometimes uncomfortable; not very innocent at all. Yet it is still the very familiar children's story of childhood vs. adulthood, what is lost and gained by growing up... or not.

A story that is over 100 years old is still remarkably fresh and modern. Yes the whole Wendy as mother is almost gagging, perpetually in the caretaker roll, but then you have that marvelous info about the Lost Boys who became Lost Boys by falling out of their pram. So why are there no Lost Girls? Because they are too smart to fall out of their pram and get lost!

I always wanted to be Tinkerbell, personally. Still do.

A special shout out to Michael Hague's illustrations in the 100th anniversary edition. If you can find a used copy in good condition at a reasonable price, grab it and make it a family heirloom

We use to watch the Mary Martin version every year-using blankets to fashion capes that let us fly...off the couch!

Joanne wrote: "We use to watch the Mary Martin version every year-using blankets to fashion capes that let us fly...off the couch!"

Yup!

Great review. So often our memories of a book get mixed up with images from movies and plays.

I am half way through the audio and loving it!

I read this a couple of years back when our monthly tag was "dystopia." I was not a fan. But I'm happy that you enjoyed it.