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citrus_seasalt's review against another edition
4.0
My first book I’ve read by Cynthia Leticia Smith! I’m no fan of Peter Pan retellings, but I enjoyed the personalities (and sisterhood) added to Wendy and Lily. Their POV chapters were distinguishable, as well. (I would’ve, however, liked for the other characters’ personalities to feel as strong.)
Although this kept the main events of Peter Pan intact, it was very clear from the twists of the story that it was rewritten from a more critical (and mature) standpoint. Sometimes, this brought to light some rather horrific implications. I can see this being intense for the target demographic, even with the fourth wall breaks adding both a reminder of the fictitious-ness and adding some humor (but, there was once or twice where I thought they were redundant). Nevertheless, this kept some high-stakes adventure and fantasy, like the original.
My criticisms, though: First, without warning, sometimes there would be switches to other characters thoughts. I found it mildly annoying, as it sometimes resulted in timeline jumps. (Also, Wendy’s naïveté and quickness to turn on her sister, even pre-Fairy Dust, felt a little immature for a thirteen-year old.) Secondly,Peter’s redemption was a mess. While I am glad the other kids didn’t forgive him, and the narrative still acknowledged he wasn’t entirely selfless when trying to better himself, the narrator was too easy on him for essentially kidnapping and/or killing kids for nearly a century. (Plus, Belle still forgave him.)
But overall, I still thought this was a solid, engaging read that can hopefully spur critical discussion. I’ll see Indigenous reviewers thoughts to see if I missed anything.
Although this kept the main events of Peter Pan intact, it was very clear from the twists of the story that it was rewritten from a more critical (and mature) standpoint. Sometimes, this brought to light some rather horrific implications. I can see this being intense for the target demographic, even with the fourth wall breaks adding both a reminder of the fictitious-ness and adding some humor (but, there was once or twice where I thought they were redundant). Nevertheless, this kept some high-stakes adventure and fantasy, like the original.
My criticisms, though: First, without warning, sometimes there would be switches to other characters thoughts. I found it mildly annoying, as it sometimes resulted in timeline jumps. (Also, Wendy’s naïveté and quickness to turn on her sister, even pre-Fairy Dust, felt a little immature for a thirteen-year old.) Secondly,
But overall, I still thought this was a solid, engaging read that can hopefully spur critical discussion. I’ll see Indigenous reviewers thoughts to see if I missed anything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Racial slurs, Racism, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death
Minor: Transphobia
totallywickedruth333's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship
macklin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
3.5
I think the author asides are a little much. I understand that it’s to mimic the style of the original Peter and Wendy but it always seems out of place and jarring. Other than that after I realized it was a completely new and contemporary story I really enjoyed this book. There is discussions about anxiety and race were really wonderful too see. Blended families. It really took everything that is outdated and unexplored in the original and talks about it. Sometimes the author tried to put in too much but in the end I think this is a great retelling and I would like more retellings to take this as an example of how to update a very flawed, racist text.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
lilcoppertop's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Animal death, Violence, and Blood