April 2020 Recommended Reading/Viewing

[Coír Draoi Ceítien]

Well, it's April already, and Spring is here...as well as a new viral pandemic, which is discouraging public socialization and will probably have lasting consequences for the world economy. In other words, it's dire times. Many of you are probably staying at home now and are in need of entertainment. Well, it may be a last minute choice for me, but given the circumstances, maybe you may need it right now.

Reading: Peter Pan a.k.a. Peter and Wendy (1911) by J. M. Barrie

One of the most famous stories of the 20th century, the brief tale of the boy who wouldn't grow up is now so ingrained into the public consciousness that it needs no introduction. Will all the various adaptations over the years, it's still worthwhile to check out the original novel, which Barrie tells with delightfulness and charm. Everything is there as one would remember it: sprite-like Peter Pan whisking away the Darling children to the dreamlike Neverland, where they meet mermaids, Indians (an unfortunate racial stereotype), and pirates led by the malicious Captain James Hook - a villain if ever there was one. A simple story on the surface, subsequent critics have ascertained deeper, more mature themes peeking out of the narrative. It's a great tale whether you're 1 or 101.

Trade: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Pan-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/081297297X/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1585710507&sr=8-2
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Pan-Modern-Library-Classics-ebook/dp/B000FC2IQW/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=peter+pan+modern+library+kindle&qid=1585716977&sr=8-2



Viewing: Peter Pan (P. J. Hogan, 2003)

Less well-known than the Disney animated film and Steven Spielberg's "sequel" is this adaptation from the Australian director of romantic comedies such as Muriel's Wedding and My Best Friend's Wedding. A box office disappointment upon release, having tragically gone up against The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kings, the film nevertheless was praised by critics for its general faithfulness to the source material. Managing to balance lighthearted humor with darker, almost frightening fantasy material and buoyed by a terrific cast, this may just be the best cinematic version of Barrie's story released to date. If you have the time and you want an alternative to the more popular titles, check this one out.

DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Pan-Widescreen-P-Hogan/dp/B0001HAISG/ref=tmm_dvd_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585710527&sr=8-7
Blu Ray: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Pan-Blu-ray-P-Hogan/dp/B004GXKBFQ/ref=tmm_mfc_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585710527&sr=8-7
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Pan-Jason-Isaacs/dp/B002EX7GBC/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585710527&sr=8-7

Hopefully, this will keep you pleasantly occupied. Stay safe and, as always, remember to wash your hands!

[Raven]

I enjoyed the book, Peter Pan. It's a fascinating piece, especially in its historical context.