38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fits the original like a hand in a glove., October 12, 2006
Geraldine McCaughrean's "Peter Pan in Scarlet" is different from all other additions to the Peter Pan mythos in that it reads like an extention of the original story instead of a fanfiction. There is a comforting feel to reading this book, like the feeling of coming home. It was definately a treat to read after having read the original novel.
This book fills in many holes left by it's predecessor, and answers all the nagging questions that haunted me after reading the first one. It expands and deepens the characters of all the familiar faces, including the Lost Boys, the Darlings, and even Captain Hook himself. I was especially moved by Hook's story and fell in love with the character all over again.
For anyone who is worried that this is just a badly written marketing ploy, or a violation of their childhood, I say that there is nothing to fear. This book is a marvel and a fitting tribute to an amazing writer. Buy the book, and even if you don't enjoy the story within it's pages at least you will be helping a children's hospital in need.
"Peter Pan in Scarlet" will have an honored place next to "Peter Pan" on my bookshelf.
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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A wish for Neverland only Half-Granted, October 30, 2006
Before I get into this review I will warn you, I am over-critical of things I care about, and Peter Pan is one of those things. So sometimes this review will sound like an obsessed fan whining and for that, I apologize, but I will try to keep it to a minimum.
Peter Pan in Scarlet is a good book; I will read it again. However, that does not mean it is a classic in the making, following in the ever so hard to fill footsteps of the original. It is not great, is not sensational, and at the very least is worth waiting for the paperbound edition. And if you have dotted on Peter since you were small enough to fly to Neverland you will probably feel an underlying wrongness in this book.
First the whining part, the crowing. I know Peter crows. Acknowledged, accepted, but to have it spelled out, repeatedly, in double-sized print, bothered me. The end. And since when did Captain Codfish have two first mates? Starkey and Smee where both credited the post here. There are other inconsistencies as well, like the shadows and flying. But enough of that, let's move on.
The writing style was a shadow of Barrie's, in my opinion. Almost as if the author would forget that she was trying mimic it, the style would wander away, popping back now and then in a bizarre game of hide and seek.
The theme of the story was rather violent, mature one could say. Yes, there were dangers in the original, lives threatened, but still, it was held together with the magic of child's innocence that Peter Pan is meant to encompass. This story ripped that rug right out from underneath you.
Peter does seem not quite his-self, though in the beginning that can rather well be attributed to his being completely alone. No one to share his adventures with, no one to tell stories to, I wasn't surprised by it. And later, well, clothes do make the man, or boy, and that theme is well used in this book. Though it isn't the first time I've run into it. Fox Network had a cartoon series called Peter Pan and the Pirates about fifteen years ago. Very good series, but I do remember an episode with Hook's Hat.
So in short, this is a good book, but not worth the hardbound price. Enjoy!
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33 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fly Peter, Fly!!!! Wonderful!, October 5, 2006
Geraldine McCaughrean has created a fantastic sequal for all of us who believe in NeverLand! In this wonderful follow-up to Peter Pan, we are taken back to Neverland, where there is great adventure waiting Peter and his crew of familiar and unfamiliar cast. However, Neverland is a bit darker and more dangerous than what Peter first experienced, and the challanges he faces is much more than what he expects! From one adventure to another, readers of all sorts will completely cherish this wonderful book that picks up in rythem and beat from the initial story about the young boy who never wanted to grow up. I can simply say that the world at large has waited for THIS book written by THIS author. Ms. McCaughrean has done an amazing job in creating a sequeal that is as much a continuation as it is a new adventure. Peter Pan in Scarlet is a must read for every person who reads. Take flight and let your imagination soar . . . and fly with Peter Pan!
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Tony DiTerlizzi on Illustrating the Cover for Peter Pan in Scarlet
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