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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