by J.M. Barrie
Read by Jim Dale
Everyone knows the story of Peter, so I don't think I need to do a summary. How's that for lazy?
I love this story. It's quite different from the Disney movie; in fact, I think it's not necessarily appropriate for all children. Most children won't recognize some of the things that bother me (like the fairy orgy reference), but they will likely recognize the swearing (Tink uses a few inappropriate words) and violence. Michael compare's his father to a pirate that he killed and was sad to see how much smaller his father was. Lots of death and no remorse. However,we don't actually see the violence (just the bragging after), and I really do find it a fun story. I'll probably wait to share it with slightly older kids though.
I have read Peter Pan before. If I re-read a book, it's often in audio format (I don't have the attention span to listen to new books...)
I was surprised as I listened how often Hermione Granger (of Harry Potter) kept popping in my head. I like Hermione and all, but it just didn't make sense. Finally it occurred to me that it was Hermione's voice that I was thinking of, and I realized that Jim Dale (who also does that audio books for all 7 Harry Potter's) used the same voice for Wendy and Hermione. After that realization, I enjoyed listening to the story and tried to not worry when I realized how much Hook sounded like Snape and Mr. Smee sounded like Wormtail. It was kind of funny.
With that little aside. This reading was really well done. Jim Dale is delightful to listen to; he does an excellent job of having distinct voices for all the characters.
4 out of 5 for the story
and 5 out of 5 for the audio
7 comments:
I would love the hear Jim Dale read just about anything! He narrates Peter and the Starcatchers also. I may have to try this audio of Peter Pan, but I remember from reading it that it was a bit weird. And I read it out loud to my kids. I think they were too little to remember it now.
I love Jim Dale too. I watch the show Pushing Daises just to hear his voice.
I loved this audio too! Jim Dale can do no wrong! This was my first experience reading/listening to the original Peter Pan, and while I enjoyed it, I was really surprised by the style of the original narration, and some of the blatant racism/sexism - had to keep reminding myself that it was written a hundred years ago.
Kt can you help me out? I cant get on Maw books blog anymore. My computer wont let me. I can only check it thru my google reader. Weird!!! Will you tell me her email address. Thank you
Chain - I'll have to look for Peter and the Starcatchers. I loved that book!
Fyrefly - it is pretty sexist/racist. I remember the first time I read it wondering if any girl was really like Wendy. I'm certainly not.
Laura - Natasha doesn't post her email on her blog. She has a contact form, so if you give me yours (you can use AT DOT ect format for spammers sake) I will send her a note with your address asking her to email you. Strange that your computer won't let you to her site though!
Thanks KT. I got an email from Natasha ( I subscribe to her updates) so I just replied to her email. I still cant get on her blog. I dont know whats wrong. Thanks anyway.
I didn't know that was Jim Dale as the Narrator on Pushing Daisies. I love his voice! I still haven't listened to any of the Harry Potter audiobooks. I definitely need to do that soon.
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