Peter Pan

I will listen again and again

This is perhaps my favorite audible so far. I have listened to this with my daughters three times now. It is much more fascinating than the Disney version of Peter Pan. The story is interesting enough to keep both adults and children engaged. The narrator is also very good. He adds a lot of value to this book. I will likely listen to this a few more times at the least, and this was money well spent!

12 people found this helpful

A Delightful and Moving Experience

Listening to Peter Pan read by Christopher Cazenove was a delightful and moving experience, a story of exuberant childlike imagination (in which the line between make-believe play and real adventure is blurry) with an undercurrent of painful adult loss. One moment we are laughing at the pathetic pirate Smee, the unlucky Lost Boy Tootles, the conflicted Captain Hook (who can never resolve the dilemma of "good form"), or the playful narrator (who likes to hint at doom on the horizon or to remind us that we are after all only spectators), the next moment we are sighing at the sadness of Peter Pan's existence or at the inevitability of maturity and mortality. Wendy and Peter playing at being and almost becoming the parents of the Lost Boys is affectingly humorous and sad, because it is not quite the real thing and because it cannot continue.

Christopher Cazenove's reading of the book is flawless and engaging (just as is his reading of Howard Pyle's The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood). He doesn't need to change his voice dramatically to represent different characters, because his emotional engagement with them is so affecting.

I love Barrie's fusion of ideal (joyful innocent play) and real (heartless selfishness and forgetfulness) childhood. He channeled his conflicting feelings for children, childhood, parents, and adulthood into a charming and moving classic. If you've only ever seen the Disney version of the story, or if you've never experienced Peter Pan in any form, I highly recommend this audiobook version of it. I know that I'll listen to this book again many times.

18 people found this helpful

The most artistic reading, great for ESL listeners

English is not the first language for my daughters and me, so I was looking for a very clear and dramatic reading of this book. The intricate over-a-century-old language, and complex phrases with unique twist of Barry's humor may be difficult to grasp for a non-native speaker, but Christopher Casenove's voice and his talented dramatic representation of each character made this book not just approachable, but my kids' and mine favorite! I've listened for the examples of other actors' readings of this book, but chose Christopher Casenove's for his artistic approach to reading of the book, his clear pronunciation, and his mazing, voice, and I've got all I expected plus more. Christopher Casenove's artistic reading makes "Peter Pan" shine as a true masterpiece this book is!

3 people found this helpful

It is shockingly good storytelling.

What made the experience of listening to Peter Pan the most enjoyable?

The narrator, Christopher Cazenove, is so — so, so — fantastic. The ideal person for this book.

Any additional comments?

I had heard Whoopi Goldberg recommend this book on TV. And, I thought, "Really...'Peter Pan'!" What could she find fascinating about "Peter Pan"? So, I clicked on the book here, and "oh...my gosh!" 10 sentences in and I was hooked — terrible pun but true. Now, I am so glad I took her suggestion: it is storytelling magic at its best. J.M. Barrie's imagination and fluidity of thought and word is irresistibly powerful.

2 people found this helpful

Classic book, that is much better than the Disney

This is an amazing book. I listened to this with my daughter numerous times. It's a way different story than what you are used to with Disney. I would listen to this if I didn't have kids, but it's so wonderful to listen to this with your child.

1 person found this helpful

Peter Pan - better than the movies

This is a fabulous narration of the story. The writing is witty and engaging. I highly recommend this recording!

1 person found this helpful

ahahaha... did not age well

I love Peter Pan with my whole heart. I knew the story like the back of my hand, but only upon listening to it as an adult did I realize JUST HOW RACIST THIS IS. And not just a "Well it was a different time period" excusal, this man should have known better. Other than that, fantastic performance.

Fascinating, Enchanting, and Contemplative

I've never been the biggest of Peter Pan fans. I can enjoy a Peter Pan tale or remake here and there, but I definitely don't fawn over and pursue the truckloads that are out there. However, I've always been curious about the "real" tale of Peter Pan. So I finally decided to listen to this original tale, and I am so very happy that I did! It's obviously a children's book, but it's nothing like, say, Alice in Wonderland. It caused me to be incredibly contemplative and sit with my thoughts, pondering about its story and themes late into the night. The concept of the Neverland is absolutely fascinating beyond comprehension, and Peter's character is more than intriguing. I also loved the theme of motherhood and the importance/role of a mother. Then, thinking about motherhood as it compared to Peter and the Lost Boys or the concept of growing up and what childhood means and embodies... there was something about it that I just couldn't wrap my head around, it was all so fascinating and intriguing. Yet, it also has all the same childlike magic, enchantment, and dream-like quality that you'd expect from a Peter Pan story written especially for children. If you wanted, you really could "run away to Neverland."

Additionally, J.M. Barrie is a magnificent and beautiful storyteller. His writing and composition is phenomenal. And Christopher Cazenove did a marvellous job capturing the poetic writing of Barrie. I can guarantee that I will read/listen to this again. There is so much packed in it that I want to experience it over and over. One last thing: of course, as you might expect from a British novel published in 1911, it does clearly have some racism when dealing with the Native American tribe on the island. It does reinforce 1911 gender stereotypes as well.

A Story That Never Grows Old

If you have some imagination left, and you can remember that the story was written just after 1900, and you can read it without trying to make it a story that was written today or trying to rewrite it because it offends you, then you will surely enjoy it as much as I do. It’s brilliantly written and is truly a classic. I love it every time I read it. It never grows old.

Total Delight

Most of us know the story of Peter Pan and I would have missed out listening to this delightful performance had I not heard the recommendation by a famous celebrity quite a while ago. I was looking for something that would be quick listening after having listened to a particularly long audiobook. I’m a youthful 78 and this truly is a story for all ages. Christopher Cazenove did a wonderful job.