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Peter Pan in Scarlet
The first-ever authorized sequel to J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan!
In August 2004 the Special Trustees of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, who hold the copyright in Peter Pan, launched a worldwide search for a writer to create a sequel to J. M. Barrie's timeless masterpiece. Renowned and multi award-winning English author Geraldine McCaughrean won the honor to write this official sequel, Peter Pan in Scarlet. Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer and set in the 1930s, Peter Pan in Scarlet takes readers flying back to Neverland in an adventure filled with tension, danger, and swashbuckling derring-do!
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
157 people are currently reading
5,538 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine McCaughrean
334 books312 followersGeraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
May 6, 2015
Silly. Exploitative. Badly-drawn characters. None of the magic of the original. That's enough reasons and enough time spent on why I gave this charmless book up.
February 9, 2021
After repeatedly trying to read Geraldine McCaughrean’s Peter Pan in Scarlet (her officially sanctioned sequel of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan) and always giving up in both UTTER ANGER AND DESPAIR due to the simply massive and offensive amount of cultural and ethnic stereotyping regarding American Indians, I do have to admit that I have also been rather majorly frustrated by and aghast at the fact that the vast majority of negative reviews of Peter Pan in Scarlet (and indeed, there are in fact a goodly number of negative reviews) seem to have issues with Geraldine McCaughrean’s writing style and how she has generally rendered her story and her characters as much too negative, but that annoyingly, how she with (in my opinion) extreme ignorance and prejudice has depicted and described Native Americans (and in 2006, in the 21st century, mind you), this has only very rarely been touched upon (and actually, NONE of the negative reviews of Peter Pan in Scarlet I have read on Amazon even once take umbrage at the stereotypical fashion American Indians are described throughout Geraldine McCaughrean’s text, and not jut once or twice, but always and continuously).
For indeed, almost every single referral to Native Americans in Peter Pan in Scarlet is at best dated and clichéd (not to mention offensive and infuriating), with the author, with Geraldine McCaughrean using words like squaw, papoose, redskins etc., with her making American Indians appear like stereotypical caricatures (clad in full tribal regalia, wearing feathers, smeared with war paint and all combined in some huge melting pot of different tribes, as though Native Americans are all somehow one and the same and not many different tribes with many different traditions and cultural practices). And furthermore, in Peter Pan in Scarlet, Geraldine McCaughrean also (and at least from where I am standing) even seems to actively go out of her way to make American Indians in general appear as negative and as vicious (with unacceptable and nasty reference to throat slitting, scalping, cannibalism and the like), leaving a constantly unpleasant taste in my mouth (and indeed so much anger towards Geraldine McCaughrean, that most likely I will from now on actively be avoiding ANY AND ALL books of fiction from her pen). And finally, I also have to sadly conclude that Geraldine McCaughrean obviously has NO IDEA what some of the words that she has used with regard to describing Native Americans in Peter Pan in Scarlet even mean. For while for example, the word papoose is considered a problematic term nowadays, it does indeed mean baby, and for McCaughrean to write about her American Indian characters beating on their papooses is totally strange and hugely troubling (as she obviously must assume and think that a papoose is some kind of percussion instrument, oh brother). So totally not recommended, and yes, I am also totally offended that Peter Pan in Scarlet was actually a Carnegie Medal nominee!
For indeed, almost every single referral to Native Americans in Peter Pan in Scarlet is at best dated and clichéd (not to mention offensive and infuriating), with the author, with Geraldine McCaughrean using words like squaw, papoose, redskins etc., with her making American Indians appear like stereotypical caricatures (clad in full tribal regalia, wearing feathers, smeared with war paint and all combined in some huge melting pot of different tribes, as though Native Americans are all somehow one and the same and not many different tribes with many different traditions and cultural practices). And furthermore, in Peter Pan in Scarlet, Geraldine McCaughrean also (and at least from where I am standing) even seems to actively go out of her way to make American Indians in general appear as negative and as vicious (with unacceptable and nasty reference to throat slitting, scalping, cannibalism and the like), leaving a constantly unpleasant taste in my mouth (and indeed so much anger towards Geraldine McCaughrean, that most likely I will from now on actively be avoiding ANY AND ALL books of fiction from her pen). And finally, I also have to sadly conclude that Geraldine McCaughrean obviously has NO IDEA what some of the words that she has used with regard to describing Native Americans in Peter Pan in Scarlet even mean. For while for example, the word papoose is considered a problematic term nowadays, it does indeed mean baby, and for McCaughrean to write about her American Indian characters beating on their papooses is totally strange and hugely troubling (as she obviously must assume and think that a papoose is some kind of percussion instrument, oh brother). So totally not recommended, and yes, I am also totally offended that Peter Pan in Scarlet was actually a Carnegie Medal nominee!
April 18, 2007
I hated every page of this book. I'm a pretty big fan of the JM Barrie characters and stories. I've seen some terrible movies and poor representations before, but this novel took it to a level I could never have ever imagined. I'm just going to have to act like I never read this book.
First, I must say, I respect the Great Ormond Street Hospital. I repect that JM Barrie wanted to provide for their amazing work and devotion to children. They comissioned an "authorized" sequel... in order to continue Pan's legacy and their copyright, for they lose proceeds from Peter and Wendy in 2007. And have denouced other books that have used Barrie's characters.
However, They choose a terrible novel to carry on the legacy. Nothing against Geraldine McCaughrean. She obviously in not a poor writer. She just is not a good writer for Peter Pan. Dave Barry's and Ridley Pearson's Novels (peter and the starcatchers and the shadow thieves) do a much better job representing the child Peter (in my opinion) and the adventures that would be possible. However, Who really could ever truly do this other then JM?
I'm am just apalled at this, from tinkerbell to the roarers to the world of neverland... word for word... nothing I could believe in; atleast as a story from neverland. Peter would never act in the way that she describes. The idea to change into children by putting childrens clothes on... was ridiculous. It's almost as if she didn't even understand the magic in neverland. And most of all, Tinkerbell ignoring Peter? COME ON ! ! ! Never in a million years !
Anyways, every body else gave this book fantastic reviews. I however will never acknowledge it as a part of neverland history.
I would say anyone that uses Peter Pan or neverland as a story or premise should respect Barrie's wishes and donate proceeds to the Great Ormond St Hospital's cause. However, They should not be in charge of "authorized" versions in the future.
First, I must say, I respect the Great Ormond Street Hospital. I repect that JM Barrie wanted to provide for their amazing work and devotion to children. They comissioned an "authorized" sequel... in order to continue Pan's legacy and their copyright, for they lose proceeds from Peter and Wendy in 2007. And have denouced other books that have used Barrie's characters.
However, They choose a terrible novel to carry on the legacy. Nothing against Geraldine McCaughrean. She obviously in not a poor writer. She just is not a good writer for Peter Pan. Dave Barry's and Ridley Pearson's Novels (peter and the starcatchers and the shadow thieves) do a much better job representing the child Peter (in my opinion) and the adventures that would be possible. However, Who really could ever truly do this other then JM?
I'm am just apalled at this, from tinkerbell to the roarers to the world of neverland... word for word... nothing I could believe in; atleast as a story from neverland. Peter would never act in the way that she describes. The idea to change into children by putting childrens clothes on... was ridiculous. It's almost as if she didn't even understand the magic in neverland. And most of all, Tinkerbell ignoring Peter? COME ON ! ! ! Never in a million years !
Anyways, every body else gave this book fantastic reviews. I however will never acknowledge it as a part of neverland history.
I would say anyone that uses Peter Pan or neverland as a story or premise should respect Barrie's wishes and donate proceeds to the Great Ormond St Hospital's cause. However, They should not be in charge of "authorized" versions in the future.
September 25, 2015
Had to check to make sure I wasn't accidentally reading only the one star reviews....people don't seem to like this one as much, but it sure looks interesting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5 stars
All those one and two star reviews had me braced for something dreadful. But it wasn't.
Guys (and gals), Peter Pan in Scarlet is not a mistake. It is positively magical.
It has been a few years since I read the original Peter Pan, and what memories I have are rather dim and colored by Peter Pan whacking older Lost Boys. It was a strange, beautiful book, a children's story yet inappropriate for children.
Peter Pan in Scarlet carries that strange, beautiful, childish magic but remains appropriate for a younger audience.
Plot
Peter Pan in Scarlet takes place 20 or so years after Peter Pan. Wendy and the Lost Boys have grown up, had families, experienced World War 1. However, dreams of Neverland haunt their sleep and the increasing feeling that something is wrong. Could Peter be in danger? Together, they decide to return and save Neverland one more time.
Thoughts
Peter Pan in Scarlet is not, perhaps, on the same level as Peter Pan. It gains much of its charm from taking familiar, beloved characters and giving them a twist. From a certain point, I can see why readers who love the familiar J.M. Barrie characters might object. These are not just the Lost Boys, but the Lost Boys Grown Up And Come Back. They're doctors and judges and fathers. But they are also, thanks to the magic of childhood, little boys who like adventures and getting covered in mud. They are Darling Boys now and Lost Boys.
And I loved them.
I like the glimpses of them as men at the beginning and their clever transition back to boyhood. I like the new fairy and the hunt for treasure. I like the return of old villains and the lessons about adulthood. I like Wendy, who is the ever present mother but very much an adventuress herself. I like parents who have not truly abandoned their children and hope from the bittersweet ending of the first book. Hope but tears...because not all our favorite characters appear in this story, and pain because war is not a pretty thing.
I found this book aroused my imagination and excitement like the predecessor, but instead of ending with, "huh", I felt magic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5 stars
All those one and two star reviews had me braced for something dreadful. But it wasn't.
Guys (and gals), Peter Pan in Scarlet is not a mistake. It is positively magical.
It has been a few years since I read the original Peter Pan, and what memories I have are rather dim and colored by Peter Pan whacking older Lost Boys. It was a strange, beautiful book, a children's story yet inappropriate for children.
Peter Pan in Scarlet carries that strange, beautiful, childish magic but remains appropriate for a younger audience.
Plot
Peter Pan in Scarlet takes place 20 or so years after Peter Pan. Wendy and the Lost Boys have grown up, had families, experienced World War 1. However, dreams of Neverland haunt their sleep and the increasing feeling that something is wrong. Could Peter be in danger? Together, they decide to return and save Neverland one more time.
Thoughts
Peter Pan in Scarlet is not, perhaps, on the same level as Peter Pan. It gains much of its charm from taking familiar, beloved characters and giving them a twist. From a certain point, I can see why readers who love the familiar J.M. Barrie characters might object. These are not just the Lost Boys, but the Lost Boys Grown Up And Come Back. They're doctors and judges and fathers. But they are also, thanks to the magic of childhood, little boys who like adventures and getting covered in mud. They are Darling Boys now and Lost Boys.
And I loved them.
I like the glimpses of them as men at the beginning and their clever transition back to boyhood. I like the new fairy and the hunt for treasure. I like the return of old villains and the lessons about adulthood. I like Wendy, who is the ever present mother but very much an adventuress herself. I like parents who have not truly abandoned their children and hope from the bittersweet ending of the first book. Hope but tears...because not all our favorite characters appear in this story, and pain because war is not a pretty thing.
I found this book aroused my imagination and excitement like the predecessor, but instead of ending with, "huh", I felt magic.
November 24, 2016
Siempre es un placer regresar a Nunca Jamás.
"Nunca ha abandonado su feísima costumbre de escuchar las conversaciones sin ser visto. Así que aquello que oísteis mientras duraba esta historia no fue el sonido de las páginas del libro, sino el propio Peter Pan, que lo estaba escuchando todo. Si le contáis un cuento, a cambio tal vez os enseñe su posesión más valiosa: el mapa del País de Nunca Jamás.
A cambio de una sonrisa, tal vez os enseñe, incluso, el País de Nunca Jamás."
"Nunca ha abandonado su feísima costumbre de escuchar las conversaciones sin ser visto. Así que aquello que oísteis mientras duraba esta historia no fue el sonido de las páginas del libro, sino el propio Peter Pan, que lo estaba escuchando todo. Si le contáis un cuento, a cambio tal vez os enseñe su posesión más valiosa: el mapa del País de Nunca Jamás.
A cambio de una sonrisa, tal vez os enseñe, incluso, el País de Nunca Jamás."
August 4, 2008
This is billed as the first authorized sequel to Peter Pan. I have long loved the original and read it many times. In addition I had read two Peter Pan Starcatcher books last summer, and though I enjoyed them, was disappointed at not finding either the true Peter Pan character, or a faithful adherence to the details of the original story. So I approached this one with hope tempered by scepticism. I was pleased to find in this book the true Pan, and a story that stays true to the details of the original. At the same time, this story was fresh with new challenges and adventures and cast old characters into new lights. Geraldine McCaughrean manages to go forward with the wonderful language, imagery, atmosphere and character of the original story in a way I would never have thought possible. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
August 4, 2020
4/5stars
this was FASCINATING. Most people dont know about this official sequel to "Peter Pan" by Barrie that was commissioned by the hospital that owns the rights to PP, yet it truly was a good sequel?? I'm kinda shook.
Although this, in my personal opinion was, honestly, even more racist than the original and also the characterizations for everyone felt a little off (they seemed a little more... stupid/idiotic than just fun-loving children), I did really enjoy it as a sequel. I thought the continued conversations and development of themes was done well, and I think McCaughrean really utilized some of the more contemporary views and readings of the original text. Her writing was also beautiful, and she had some amazing commentary on growing up and the passage of time that could rival Barrie.
I also just... Neverland during Autumn?? did you mean MY dream land?
this was FASCINATING. Most people dont know about this official sequel to "Peter Pan" by Barrie that was commissioned by the hospital that owns the rights to PP, yet it truly was a good sequel?? I'm kinda shook.
Although this, in my personal opinion was, honestly, even more racist than the original and also the characterizations for everyone felt a little off (they seemed a little more... stupid/idiotic than just fun-loving children), I did really enjoy it as a sequel. I thought the continued conversations and development of themes was done well, and I think McCaughrean really utilized some of the more contemporary views and readings of the original text. Her writing was also beautiful, and she had some amazing commentary on growing up and the passage of time that could rival Barrie.
I also just... Neverland during Autumn?? did you mean MY dream land?
July 7, 2021
I own this book.
I have owned this book for years and I've never read it. Why I hear you ask...Because I love Peter Pan, and I didn't want this book to ruin that. The JM Barrie book has been a longstanding favourite of mine. I'm yet to meet a Peter Pan film I don't love and it's a world I am captivated by. While I don't agree with all of the critiques this book has raised, particularly for the cause it provides funds for, it wasn't what I wanted. The premise is great, Neverland is leaking out of dreams and into the realities of those who left Neverland behind as children. I loved getting to know a bit more about those characters we grew to love such as Curly, Nibs and the twins. I think this book had so much promised and while in places did provide the magical whimsy I associate with Peter Pan, it faltered to maintain it. I found this was the chance to really bring this story into the 21st century and update some parts of it, but it didn't. The author attempts to mimick Barrie which just didn't ring my bell.
I have owned this book for years and I've never read it. Why I hear you ask...Because I love Peter Pan, and I didn't want this book to ruin that. The JM Barrie book has been a longstanding favourite of mine. I'm yet to meet a Peter Pan film I don't love and it's a world I am captivated by. While I don't agree with all of the critiques this book has raised, particularly for the cause it provides funds for, it wasn't what I wanted. The premise is great, Neverland is leaking out of dreams and into the realities of those who left Neverland behind as children. I loved getting to know a bit more about those characters we grew to love such as Curly, Nibs and the twins. I think this book had so much promised and while in places did provide the magical whimsy I associate with Peter Pan, it faltered to maintain it. I found this was the chance to really bring this story into the 21st century and update some parts of it, but it didn't. The author attempts to mimick Barrie which just didn't ring my bell.
November 29, 2020
Initial Response
...GOODNESS. That was INTENSE.
High Lights
- EVERYTHING, BASICALLY.
- Peter is still Peter. And I still loved him.
- I LOVED reentering the world of Neverland, and this time with some new worldbuilding! It was really neat to see how things had changed.
- I just really love all the creativity. It's so cool, playing with all sorts of different ideas and things.
- The Lost Boys and Wendy are still hilarious. XD
- THE PLOT TWISTS. (Okay, I admit, this is a re-read, but the first time I read it, I remember being ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED at the twists. It was so much fun. :D)
-
- Also, points for the fun, whimsical narration and writing style. Such a delight to read. :D
Low Lights
- Um...I don't really have any?
- There were a few gross parts, but...yeah, it wasn't a big deal at all.
- So...NOTHING.
Conclusion
This was SO much fun, and I'm SO glad I re-read this book! Peter Pan was always a favorite of mine, and this book just makes his story a thousand times better. <3 If you love Peter Pan, pirates, or books, YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
5/5.
...GOODNESS. That was INTENSE.
High Lights
- EVERYTHING, BASICALLY.
- Peter is still Peter. And I still loved him.
- I LOVED reentering the world of Neverland, and this time with some new worldbuilding! It was really neat to see how things had changed.
- I just really love all the creativity. It's so cool, playing with all sorts of different ideas and things.
- The Lost Boys and Wendy are still hilarious. XD
- THE PLOT TWISTS. (Okay, I admit, this is a re-read, but the first time I read it, I remember being ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED at the twists. It was so much fun. :D)
-
- Also, points for the fun, whimsical narration and writing style. Such a delight to read. :D
Low Lights
- Um...I don't really have any?
- There were a few gross parts, but...yeah, it wasn't a big deal at all.
- So...NOTHING.
Conclusion
This was SO much fun, and I'm SO glad I re-read this book! Peter Pan was always a favorite of mine, and this book just makes his story a thousand times better. <3 If you love Peter Pan, pirates, or books, YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
5/5.
May 30, 2015
this was a recommendation from my 6 year old and I so wanted to love it (and will lie through my teeth and say I did) but it was just dire. come back beast quest - all is forgiven.....
April 18, 2017
(2/10) This one was just too childish for me to get on with (I gave up after 80 pages), probably OK for the very young but not one I would choose to read to my own children.
Read
March 16, 2009Hook is Back!
No, I'm not referring to Tootles' line in the film "Hook", though that film is a wonderful sequel to "Peter Pan". I'm talking about the book "Peter Pan in Scarlet" by Geraldine McCaughrean.
I love pirate stories - and "Peter Pan" is undeniably a pirate story. Though ultimately tragic, it has all the elements of a swashbuckling tale: pirates, of course, swordfights, kidnapping, intrigue, faeries and one hungry crocodile. In the end, of course, Peter chooses to stay young forever - and that choice ultimately costs him his friends and the only mother he'd ever known.
Or so we thought.
Enter Wendy, John, Tootles, Slightly, Curly, First Twin and Second Twin Darling, now all grown up and nearly all with children of their own. For a time they live their lives of doctors, musicians, mothers...until the Never Land starts invading their dreams and leaving nasty reminders of itself in their beds. Something must be wrong in the Never Land, and the grown-ups are being called to go fix it.
But grown-ups cannot fly, and that is, of course, the only way to get to Never Land, so the Darling grown-ups must don their children's clothes and become children again themselves to go and save Peter Pan, who is the heart and mind of the Never Land.
Buckles every bit as swashed as in J. M. Barrie's original, McCaughrean takes us across an island where time has moved on from perpetual summer into an un-heard-of autumn. As if autumn in Never Land isn't alarming enough, McCaughrean also forces us to keep company with the creepy, raw-egg-eating and not-child-friendly Raveling Man and his sinister circus animals. She leads us to Hook's sea-chest, which contains the former captain's second-best red jacket (his best coat was eaten by the crocodile, along with James himself, you'll recall). Peter, of course, cannot resist claiming such a prize for himself, thus ensuring - in one sense - the return of Jas. Hook.
Yes, Hook is in McCaughrean's tale, too, if not in the way you might think. He influences Peter's choices throughout, and we meet some of the products of his influences in the form of the terrible Roarers - Lost Boys who were banished for Never Land's only crime, that of growing up.
All in all, McCaughrean's tale interlocks tightly with Barrie's. She captures the characters truly and clothes them snugly in Barrie's attire. Her Never Land is rich and her imagery vivid and often alliterative, so that it is a pleasure to listen to her tale. The action is non-stop, the situations into which the children get themselves (or Pan gets them, or the Raveling Man leads them) are overwhelming and often impossible, but McCaughrean takes them (and us) into, through, and out of them with ease and enjoyment and not an occasional gasp of fear or surprise.
A particular gem of a surprise is Hook's ship, the Jolly Roger, which makes a brief appearance, magically saving Peter and his friends from certain death.
A word of warning, though: McCaughrean's tale is darker and more tragic at times than Barrie's, and as such I recommend a parent read it through once before delivering it to younger children. Some of her imagery would have disturbed me as a child. In particular, the Raveling Man's description of the event that would have finished him off - in any other place but Never Land - is gruesome and laced with realism, and has the potential to become a seed for young nightmares. Also, Wendy and John's youngest brother, Michael, is notoriously missing from their quest, and we discover later that war in their grown-up world is the cause of this - a poignant reminder of the troubles of real life.
When I read the back cover blurb on "Peter Pan in Scarlet" and learned that our antagonist this time around was a circus owner, I had my doubts as to how well McCaughrean would use him as Pan's foil, but never fear! The Raveling Man is every bit as excellent a villain as Hook was, and in fact he often pushes to levels of hatred for the Raveling Man beyond what we ever felt about the original Hook. He is more than a worthy opponent for Pan and the Lost Boys and Girls.
Overall, "Peter Pan in Scarlet" is an excellent and recommended story for adults, and (with some strategic parental editing) for children as well!
-Tony
PS - It is worth noting that I did not actually read "Peter Pan in Scarlet". I listened to the audiobook version of it, read by the ever-versatile and always entertaining Tim Curry. His characterizations are unique and marvelously believable, and it is only occasionally that I recognized his distinct voice among those of the many and wildly varied characters' - a credit to his versatility. Even if you've read the book, I highly recommend getting a copy of the audiobook from your local library and giving it a listen, for the sheer entertainment value of it!
No, I'm not referring to Tootles' line in the film "Hook", though that film is a wonderful sequel to "Peter Pan". I'm talking about the book "Peter Pan in Scarlet" by Geraldine McCaughrean.
I love pirate stories - and "Peter Pan" is undeniably a pirate story. Though ultimately tragic, it has all the elements of a swashbuckling tale: pirates, of course, swordfights, kidnapping, intrigue, faeries and one hungry crocodile. In the end, of course, Peter chooses to stay young forever - and that choice ultimately costs him his friends and the only mother he'd ever known.
Or so we thought.
Enter Wendy, John, Tootles, Slightly, Curly, First Twin and Second Twin Darling, now all grown up and nearly all with children of their own. For a time they live their lives of doctors, musicians, mothers...until the Never Land starts invading their dreams and leaving nasty reminders of itself in their beds. Something must be wrong in the Never Land, and the grown-ups are being called to go fix it.
But grown-ups cannot fly, and that is, of course, the only way to get to Never Land, so the Darling grown-ups must don their children's clothes and become children again themselves to go and save Peter Pan, who is the heart and mind of the Never Land.
Buckles every bit as swashed as in J. M. Barrie's original, McCaughrean takes us across an island where time has moved on from perpetual summer into an un-heard-of autumn. As if autumn in Never Land isn't alarming enough, McCaughrean also forces us to keep company with the creepy, raw-egg-eating and not-child-friendly Raveling Man and his sinister circus animals. She leads us to Hook's sea-chest, which contains the former captain's second-best red jacket (his best coat was eaten by the crocodile, along with James himself, you'll recall). Peter, of course, cannot resist claiming such a prize for himself, thus ensuring - in one sense - the return of Jas. Hook.
Yes, Hook is in McCaughrean's tale, too, if not in the way you might think. He influences Peter's choices throughout, and we meet some of the products of his influences in the form of the terrible Roarers - Lost Boys who were banished for Never Land's only crime, that of growing up.
All in all, McCaughrean's tale interlocks tightly with Barrie's. She captures the characters truly and clothes them snugly in Barrie's attire. Her Never Land is rich and her imagery vivid and often alliterative, so that it is a pleasure to listen to her tale. The action is non-stop, the situations into which the children get themselves (or Pan gets them, or the Raveling Man leads them) are overwhelming and often impossible, but McCaughrean takes them (and us) into, through, and out of them with ease and enjoyment and not an occasional gasp of fear or surprise.
A particular gem of a surprise is Hook's ship, the Jolly Roger, which makes a brief appearance, magically saving Peter and his friends from certain death.
A word of warning, though: McCaughrean's tale is darker and more tragic at times than Barrie's, and as such I recommend a parent read it through once before delivering it to younger children. Some of her imagery would have disturbed me as a child. In particular, the Raveling Man's description of the event that would have finished him off - in any other place but Never Land - is gruesome and laced with realism, and has the potential to become a seed for young nightmares. Also, Wendy and John's youngest brother, Michael, is notoriously missing from their quest, and we discover later that war in their grown-up world is the cause of this - a poignant reminder of the troubles of real life.
When I read the back cover blurb on "Peter Pan in Scarlet" and learned that our antagonist this time around was a circus owner, I had my doubts as to how well McCaughrean would use him as Pan's foil, but never fear! The Raveling Man is every bit as excellent a villain as Hook was, and in fact he often pushes to levels of hatred for the Raveling Man beyond what we ever felt about the original Hook. He is more than a worthy opponent for Pan and the Lost Boys and Girls.
Overall, "Peter Pan in Scarlet" is an excellent and recommended story for adults, and (with some strategic parental editing) for children as well!
-Tony
PS - It is worth noting that I did not actually read "Peter Pan in Scarlet". I listened to the audiobook version of it, read by the ever-versatile and always entertaining Tim Curry. His characterizations are unique and marvelously believable, and it is only occasionally that I recognized his distinct voice among those of the many and wildly varied characters' - a credit to his versatility. Even if you've read the book, I highly recommend getting a copy of the audiobook from your local library and giving it a listen, for the sheer entertainment value of it!
December 28, 2015
3.5. En esta entrega de Peter Pan de Rojo Escarlata las aventuras que viven Peter y sus amigos esta lejos de parecerse a cualquier otra que hayan vivido en el País de Nunca Jamás.
La escritura, la manera de narrar de la autora me trae fascinada, con tanta prosa y delicadeza (flipo con escrituras como esas) y cada uno de los obstáculos y escenarios en los que se desenvuelven los niños están tan bien definidos y cuidados. Sin embargo, y para tristeza mía, no ha sido tan entretenida la lectura como yo esperaba... Tal vez fue por las tantas pausas que hice al leerlo, casi como leer 20 páginas por día y demorarme mucho que no me adentraba del todo, o por cualquier otra circunstancia del momento que no me hizo disfrutarla como pensaba, además, me costo un montón al principio porque no le veía la trama ni un lugar al cual ir (claro, a medida que avanzas ya si va adquiriendo cuerpo la historia). También que tenía una idea de quien podía ser un personaje y cuando por fin se descubrió era justo como creí y bueno, no fue difícil adivinar. No obstante, me gustó, todo lo que leí, el haberle dado una oportunidad a este libro y ese epílogo que ha sido precioso. Y si no habéis leído al menos Peter Pan de J. M. Barrie, ¿a qué esperáis? Peter Pan, el niño maravilloso que nunca crece lo merece y mucho, lo recomiendo con los ojos cerrados. Y pues, si queréis arriesgaros con este modo distinto de la historia original de Peter Pan leanlo! Y elaboren su propio juicio de esta historia. Diferente y especial.
La escritura, la manera de narrar de la autora me trae fascinada, con tanta prosa y delicadeza (flipo con escrituras como esas) y cada uno de los obstáculos y escenarios en los que se desenvuelven los niños están tan bien definidos y cuidados. Sin embargo, y para tristeza mía, no ha sido tan entretenida la lectura como yo esperaba... Tal vez fue por las tantas pausas que hice al leerlo, casi como leer 20 páginas por día y demorarme mucho que no me adentraba del todo, o por cualquier otra circunstancia del momento que no me hizo disfrutarla como pensaba, además, me costo un montón al principio porque no le veía la trama ni un lugar al cual ir (claro, a medida que avanzas ya si va adquiriendo cuerpo la historia). También que tenía una idea de quien podía ser un personaje y cuando por fin se descubrió era justo como creí y bueno, no fue difícil adivinar. No obstante, me gustó, todo lo que leí, el haberle dado una oportunidad a este libro y ese epílogo que ha sido precioso. Y si no habéis leído al menos Peter Pan de J. M. Barrie, ¿a qué esperáis? Peter Pan, el niño maravilloso que nunca crece lo merece y mucho, lo recomiendo con los ojos cerrados. Y pues, si queréis arriesgaros con este modo distinto de la historia original de Peter Pan leanlo! Y elaboren su propio juicio de esta historia. Diferente y especial.
November 25, 2015
Life is too short to spend on bad books. Tim Curry tried his hardest to sell this to me, but I had to give up at 50%. This book is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Instead of making a unique story with new characters it turns adults into children. It revives James Hook. It turns a lost boy into a girl just cause. It kills off Michael.
There are SO many better ways they could have gone. If you're looking for a good sequel to Peter Pan, read Peter and the Starcatchers. That series captures the magic of Peter Pan and Never land as it should exist.
There are SO many better ways they could have gone. If you're looking for a good sequel to Peter Pan, read Peter and the Starcatchers. That series captures the magic of Peter Pan and Never land as it should exist.
October 3, 2019
„Питър Пан в алено“ е по-хубавият „Питър Пан“, защото:
... вижте направо тук:
http://choveshkata.net/blog/?p=444
Да не измъчвам форматирането. ;)
... вижте направо тук:
http://choveshkata.net/blog/?p=444
Да не измъчвам форматирането. ;)
August 4, 2019
Ревюто в Wanderbook ТУК
Както започват много продължения на детски книги, тук Уенди и всички изгубени деца са вече пораснали. Нещо от сънищата им обаче ги вика обратно и те приемат нелеката задача да станат отново малки и да намерят пътя към Небивалата земя. Когато пристигат, я заварват хем същата, хем променена . Лятото си е тръгнало, а Питър е заменил туниката от листа с дреха от алени пера. Но игрите са все така забавни и бързо поглъщат децата - чак до степен да спрат да забелязват някои детайли...
Въпреки предубежденията си, много бързо потънах в тази приказка. Приключенията бяха съизмерни с тези от оригинала - истински феи, пирати, индианци, а което не е истинско, бързо бива въображено - от дракони до съкровища. Нови врагове и забравени познати се лутат из тази променена Небивала Земя, а Порастването дебне отвсякъде и заплашва дори Единственото дете.
Всяка сцена и дума в тази история бяха така хубаво избрани и премерени, че се превърнаха направо в магия, равна по сила на тази, която може да връща феи към живота. Джералдин Макохран прекрасно се бе нагодила като звучене към Джеймс Матю Бари. Същевременно обаче тази книга бе по-нежна и мила. И то по един дискретен начин, който да не смути приключенията, но който усетих много дълбоко. "Питър Пан в алено" бе по-толерантна към злощастните възрастни, неуспели да избегнат проклятието на порастването, дори и самият Питър да не е толкова благосклонен. А от време на време прозвучаваха кристално тъжни нотки, като от кларинета на Малчо. Те разказваха за война, вдовци, изгубени деца, изгубени майки, изгубени постижения. Неща, които се спотайват под повърхността и те хващат неподготвен, за да отекнат право в сърцето ти.
"Питър Пан в алено" наистина бе прекрасна книга. Лично за мен - по-хубава от оригинала, дори и някой да каже, че това твърдение е кощунство. Това е книга за деца, в които се крият възрастни и възрастни, които още са деца. Но най-вече е за хора, които избират да ги е грижа, а точно това в голяма степен ми липсваше в оригинала.
Както започват много продължения на детски книги, тук Уенди и всички изгубени деца са вече пораснали. Нещо от сънищата им обаче ги вика обратно и те приемат нелеката задача да станат отново малки и да намерят пътя към Небивалата земя. Когато пристигат, я заварват хем същата, хем променена . Лятото си е тръгнало, а Питър е заменил туниката от листа с дреха от алени пера. Но игрите са все така забавни и бързо поглъщат децата - чак до степен да спрат да забелязват някои детайли...
Въпреки предубежденията си, много бързо потънах в тази приказка. Приключенията бяха съизмерни с тези от оригинала - истински феи, пирати, индианци, а което не е истинско, бързо бива въображено - от дракони до съкровища. Нови врагове и забравени познати се лутат из тази променена Небивала Земя, а Порастването дебне отвсякъде и заплашва дори Единственото дете.
Всяка сцена и дума в тази история бяха така хубаво избрани и премерени, че се превърнаха направо в магия, равна по сила на тази, която може да връща феи към живота. Джералдин Макохран прекрасно се бе нагодила като звучене към Джеймс Матю Бари. Същевременно обаче тази книга бе по-нежна и мила. И то по един дискретен начин, който да не смути приключенията, но който усетих много дълбоко. "Питър Пан в алено" бе по-толерантна към злощастните възрастни, неуспели да избегнат проклятието на порастването, дори и самият Питър да не е толкова благосклонен. А от време на време прозвучаваха кристално тъжни нотки, като от кларинета на Малчо. Те разказваха за война, вдовци, изгубени деца, изгубени майки, изгубени постижения. Неща, които се спотайват под повърхността и те хващат неподготвен, за да отекнат право в сърцето ти.
"Питър Пан в алено" наистина бе прекрасна книга. Лично за мен - по-хубава от оригинала, дори и някой да каже, че това твърдение е кощунство. Това е книга за деца, в които се крият възрастни и възрастни, които още са деца. Но най-вече е за хора, които избират да ги е грижа, а точно това в голяма степен ми липсваше в оригинала.
March 20, 2009
Apakah setelah dewasa kita harus kehilangan sisi kanak-kanak kita?
Apakah setelah dewasa kita tidak boleh tertawa terbahak-bahak, berlarian kesana kemari, jahil dan iseng ngerjain temen, berpura-pura menjadi seseorang?
Apakah setelah dewasa kita harus selalu disibukkan dengan pekerjaan, angka-angka tagihan, anak, pasangan, keluhan-keluhan orang lain?
Kalau ya, susah sekali jadi orang dewasa.
Berlarian sedikit, ngambek, iseng, dibilang kekanak-kanakan.
Lalu apa iya dewasa itu berarti banyak masalah??
Jadi inget beberapa tahun yang lalu, ketika saya sedang becanda dengan adik-adik sepupu yang masih SMP, lalu dibilang kakek bahwa saya kekanak-kanakan.
'What's wrong with it?' Saya udah 25 tahun waktu itu dan merasa inilah diri saya, yang sangat ceria, sehingga diterima dan dicintai oleh adik-adik sepupu saya. Mana mau mereka deket kalau saya sok tua, sok serius, dan nganggep mereka anak kecil.
Jadilah tahun berikutnya saya masih juga lari-larian di sawah dengan mereka. Bahakan yang umur 20 an juga mengikuti.
Inilah cerita Peterpan, dimana menjadi dewasa adalah sesuatu yang salah. Semua harus terus menjadi anak kecil, yang asik bermain-main dan berpetualang. Peterpan yang menjadi pemarah dalam jubah Kapten Hook. Peterpan yang membenci ibunya karena tidak membukakan jendela.
Penemuan ibu-ibu orang tua dari anak-anak Darling.
Tapi menjadi dewasa adalah sebuah proses, dimana kita juga tidak boleh melupakan sisi kekanakan kita, karena suatu saat kita punya anak, tentu akan membangkitkan kembali sisi kekanakan kita.
Apakah setelah dewasa kita tidak boleh tertawa terbahak-bahak, berlarian kesana kemari, jahil dan iseng ngerjain temen, berpura-pura menjadi seseorang?
Apakah setelah dewasa kita harus selalu disibukkan dengan pekerjaan, angka-angka tagihan, anak, pasangan, keluhan-keluhan orang lain?
Kalau ya, susah sekali jadi orang dewasa.
Berlarian sedikit, ngambek, iseng, dibilang kekanak-kanakan.
Lalu apa iya dewasa itu berarti banyak masalah??
Jadi inget beberapa tahun yang lalu, ketika saya sedang becanda dengan adik-adik sepupu yang masih SMP, lalu dibilang kakek bahwa saya kekanak-kanakan.
'What's wrong with it?' Saya udah 25 tahun waktu itu dan merasa inilah diri saya, yang sangat ceria, sehingga diterima dan dicintai oleh adik-adik sepupu saya. Mana mau mereka deket kalau saya sok tua, sok serius, dan nganggep mereka anak kecil.
Jadilah tahun berikutnya saya masih juga lari-larian di sawah dengan mereka. Bahakan yang umur 20 an juga mengikuti.
Inilah cerita Peterpan, dimana menjadi dewasa adalah sesuatu yang salah. Semua harus terus menjadi anak kecil, yang asik bermain-main dan berpetualang. Peterpan yang menjadi pemarah dalam jubah Kapten Hook. Peterpan yang membenci ibunya karena tidak membukakan jendela.
Penemuan ibu-ibu orang tua dari anak-anak Darling.
Tapi menjadi dewasa adalah sebuah proses, dimana kita juga tidak boleh melupakan sisi kekanakan kita, karena suatu saat kita punya anak, tentu akan membangkitkan kembali sisi kekanakan kita.
November 10, 2013
"Here is just one of the juicie points I love about this book. A character in the book offers to serve Peter. "Your butler, perhaps! Your valet? Your serving man?" When asked what he should be called, he says, "My mother gave me the name Crichton, but like most things a mother gives, it is not worth the having." And he tells them to call him something else.
Well, Barrie wrote a play, The Admirable Crichton, about a butler named Crichton who works for a wealthy family. He and his employers are all shipwrecked on an island where he becomes their leader (a Peter Pan figure?) because he is the only person who knows anything of a practical nature that can keep them alive. The young women of the family are all over him. He is a force to be reckoned with.
And then they are rescued, and the hierarchy of wealth and privilege over knowledge and skill is restored.
This is the kind of detail I absolutely love. I love it even more because so few people (at least here in this country) will probably get it."
Excerpt from Original Content.
Peter Pan in Scarlet was a Cybils nominee in 2006.
Well, Barrie wrote a play, The Admirable Crichton, about a butler named Crichton who works for a wealthy family. He and his employers are all shipwrecked on an island where he becomes their leader (a Peter Pan figure?) because he is the only person who knows anything of a practical nature that can keep them alive. The young women of the family are all over him. He is a force to be reckoned with.
And then they are rescued, and the hierarchy of wealth and privilege over knowledge and skill is restored.
This is the kind of detail I absolutely love. I love it even more because so few people (at least here in this country) will probably get it."
Excerpt from Original Content.
Peter Pan in Scarlet was a Cybils nominee in 2006.
October 22, 2015
Well, really, between 2 and 3 stars. I had such hope, at the beginning, because it was starting so well and dealt so neatly with the problems of getting the Darlings back, and I love the Lost Boys, who have real personalities here....and then, about halfway along I got bored and shocked that this opportunity to free Neverland from racism and sexism wasn't taken, and the mythology went catawumpus (even the mythology created just within this book itself) and bitter references to WWI were just dropped in and left without purpose, more like an idea that ought to have been left in an earlier draft...just read to the bit about How They Got There and then imagine the rest for yourself. McCaughrean is a fine author, but something happened here and made this all wrong and twisted and D U L L as it went on.
October 14, 2018
This authorized sequel to Peter Pan is amazing!!!
Our story picks up with the Lost Boys and The Darling children all grown up, and most with families of their own. They have to find a way back to Neverland because something is wrong.
I loved, loved, loved the lost boys! I really enjoy knowing them better. I love how the author shows us more of the simplicity of childhood and the good we can do as grown ups.
The raveling man is CREEPY. The Maze of Regrets had tears running down my face. This was magical.
Our story picks up with the Lost Boys and The Darling children all grown up, and most with families of their own. They have to find a way back to Neverland because something is wrong.
I loved, loved, loved the lost boys! I really enjoy knowing them better. I love how the author shows us more of the simplicity of childhood and the good we can do as grown ups.
The raveling man is CREEPY. The Maze of Regrets had tears running down my face. This was magical.
July 11, 2015
This book gets a lot of hate for some reason... I don't know why... I really enjoyed this book and I can rightfully say that , after having read it, it is a proper sequel to the beloved story of our childhood...However this story is a bit darker than the original since the author tries to show how adults lose their inocence and imagination as they step into adulthood, and how corruption can affect a kind and gentle hero as Peter Pan...
February 7, 2017
To be honest, I was pretty bored for the first half of this, but the last half was quite good, especially the last few chapters or so :)
Of course, I'm biased in favor of the original, but I did like how this author incorporated a similar style to Barrie's in her writing, as well as how she implemented various plot devices like the Great War in the background. (Speaking of which, MICHAEL. MY HEART.)
Of course, I'm biased in favor of the original, but I did like how this author incorporated a similar style to Barrie's in her writing, as well as how she implemented various plot devices like the Great War in the background. (Speaking of which, MICHAEL. MY HEART.)
August 18, 2024
Ik bezit dit boek al sinds 2008, en heb het sindsdien ontelbare keren gelezen.
De illustraties zijn wonderbaarlijk en maken van dit boek een oprecht pareltje.
Het verhaal is leuk en fantasierijk, maar sluit niet helemaal naadloos aan bij het originele boek van James M. Barrie, wat ik jammer vind. Hier en daar leek de schrijfster ook belangrijke puntjes te vergeten. Het ene moment stuurt Peter Pan een personage naar de vergetelheid, en op de volgende pagina is dit personage gewoon terug, zonder enige uitleg!
Voor het verhaal alleen, zou ik dit boek drie sterren geven. De illustraties zijn echter prachtig en het is daarbij ook een reuze nostalgisch verhaal voor mij.
Zeker de moeite waard om eens te bekijken!
De illustraties zijn wonderbaarlijk en maken van dit boek een oprecht pareltje.
Het verhaal is leuk en fantasierijk, maar sluit niet helemaal naadloos aan bij het originele boek van James M. Barrie, wat ik jammer vind. Hier en daar leek de schrijfster ook belangrijke puntjes te vergeten. Het ene moment stuurt Peter Pan een personage naar de vergetelheid, en op de volgende pagina is dit personage gewoon terug, zonder enige uitleg!
Voor het verhaal alleen, zou ik dit boek drie sterren geven. De illustraties zijn echter prachtig en het is daarbij ook een reuze nostalgisch verhaal voor mij.
Zeker de moeite waard om eens te bekijken!
August 31, 2021
I was quite looking forward to revisiting Neverland again in this 'official' sequel, and to start with, it lived up to expectations. You can't help but smile as the Lost Boys, now middle aged members of London society, try to remember how to fly and catch fairies in the Park. But once they get to Neverland, things take a darker turn. I'm not sure whether this book is trying to be for children, or is for adults and parodying the tone of the original - the author seems to swap back and forth between the two. But when a forest fire seems to kill a load of circus animals, I decided I really didn't like it at all and stopped reading. Life's too short to read bad books ....
February 20, 2022
A quick read . I’ve always loved the story of Peter Pan as a kid.
I came across this book in a bag of books passed onto me for my nephew and goddaughter. It’s a fun read, great for the imagination . It took me back to my childhood and made me smile .
I came across this book in a bag of books passed onto me for my nephew and goddaughter. It’s a fun read, great for the imagination . It took me back to my childhood and made me smile .
April 13, 2017
Es bueno recordar a los maravillosos personajes y volver a la historia de J.M. Barrie, pero en verdad esto esta hecho totalmente con los pies, carente de sentido e incoherente.
Es totalmente un fanfiction.
Es totalmente un fanfiction.
January 7, 2025
so magically written. this charming story is everything i hoped for in a sequel to Peter Pan.
even if one particular detail caused me to sob for half an hour.
even if one particular detail caused me to sob for half an hour.
July 8, 2021
4.5 stars. Would’ve been 5 stars but there were a few times where I didn’t know what was going on. All in all this was a genuinely imaginative sequel to Peter Pan and I recommend it to everyone. Read this to my son and he loved it.
May 10, 2012
"Peter Pan in Scarlet" didn't appeal to me as much as I hoped, despite a nice narration done by Tim Curry in the audiobook version. The story takes quite some time building to a point of interest, unlike the original J.M. Barrie works. It seemed that many, including Peter Pan himself, acted distinctly out of character, save for perhaps the last third of the novel, which actually kept and held my attention all the way until the end. However, the buildup to that point took a long time, and while I think McGaughrean is a decent writer, I don't think she captured the magic of the franchise and the characters compared to some Peter Pan adaptations I've seen or read.
The premise of the story revolves around Wendy and the gang returning to Neverland after nightmares begin leaking out of the area. They have to don children's clothing (this seemed implausible to me) in order to return to their child like selves to return to Neverland, and see what was wrong with Peter. Neverland itself is in disarray, and many believe that Hook is dead after Peter made sure the Croc devoured him. But nothing is as it seems, and Peter's strange behavior has many of his old friends worried for him. The twist in the story was interesting, but it came at such a late point that it was hard to hold interest up until it happened. There were scenes that I really loved in the median between, such as the encounter with the fairies, but those scenes were far and too few to match to the alluring pull of the original stories.
I think if you really love the charm J.M. Barrie's works, it may be wise to skip this story, because it may disappoint the dearest Peter Pan fans. I liked parts of it, but not enough to read the story more than once.
Overall score: 2/5
The premise of the story revolves around Wendy and the gang returning to Neverland after nightmares begin leaking out of the area. They have to don children's clothing (this seemed implausible to me) in order to return to their child like selves to return to Neverland, and see what was wrong with Peter. Neverland itself is in disarray, and many believe that Hook is dead after Peter made sure the Croc devoured him. But nothing is as it seems, and Peter's strange behavior has many of his old friends worried for him. The twist in the story was interesting, but it came at such a late point that it was hard to hold interest up until it happened. There were scenes that I really loved in the median between, such as the encounter with the fairies, but those scenes were far and too few to match to the alluring pull of the original stories.
I think if you really love the charm J.M. Barrie's works, it may be wise to skip this story, because it may disappoint the dearest Peter Pan fans. I liked parts of it, but not enough to read the story more than once.
Overall score: 2/5
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