Happy Birthday To:

Agatha Christie

September 15, 1890

“The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.” -from Murder on the Orient Express

Peter Pan

“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” 

For most of us, the story of Peter Pan is one we become very familiar with at a very young age.  Whether it is through the classic Disney film version or the equally famous Broadway version, we each know the story of the boy who never grew up.  But while we may feel like we know the story, if you have not read the original work, chances are you don't know everything.  Barrie's story is one of childhood and magic, but there is also a sinister side that many modern adaptations leave out.

The Plot:

The Darling family, including children Wendy, John, and Michael, lives in a nice little house in the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London.  One night when Mr. & Mrs. Darling are at a party, a mysterious boy appears in the nursery.  He is revealed to be Peter Pan, a boy who lives in Neverland and refuses to grow up.  He has been secretly visiting the Darling home at night to listen to Mrs. Darling's stories.  He invites Wendy to come to Neverland with him and be mother to him and his gang of "Lost Boys".  She accepts and soon she, John, and Michael have been taught to fly (with the help of the fairy Tinkerbell) and are soaring towards Neverland.

That is only the beginning of the many adventures the children find there.  They encounter mermaids, Indians, and a clock-swallowing crocodile.  But nothing prepares them for their encounter with Peter's greatest enemy, Capt. James Hook and his band of ruthless pirates.  Will the children be able to defeat the thugs and return home, or are they doomed to walk the plank?

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I have been familiar with the Peter Pan story all of my life, but I have only now read the book.  It surprised me in many ways, both at how familiar it was and also by how much darker it was to the story I remembered.  

Overall, it is very much the story that you remember.  Barrie's writing is great and the story is one of almost non-stop adventure.  Everything that catches children's imaginations is found here from mermaids and Indians to pirates and crocodiles.  There is also an almost palpable sense of magic throughout the story and Neverland is certainly the center of it.  And Barrie's descriptions only add to the sense of beauty and magic.  "If you shut your eyes and are a lucky one, you may see at times a shapeless pool of lovely pale colours suspended in the darkness; then if you squeeze your eyes tighter, the pool begins to take shape, and the colours become so vivid that with another squeeze they must go on fire." 

   

There were some things that surprised me and that will probably surprise many parents who choose to read it to their children.  This isn't the squeaky clean Disney version.  There is a bit of violence, with most of it coming from the children themselves, as well as a romantic aspect that isn't always portrayed in the film versions.  And in describing children as "innocent and heartless", Barrie highlights the cruelty that children posses.  The children lack the sympathy and sense of responsibility that comes with growing up.  Peter completely ignores the needs of "his" Lost Boys and the children don't express any concerns for the feelings of their parents.  This all leads to Barrie's main theme that while childhood has many great qualities, it also has an element of tragedy.

All in all, Peter Pan remains a classic read for all children.  Though there are a few elements that parents may want to discuss with their children, it is still one that I recommend be read to them.  No film version can substitute for the original.

The Film:

There have been many adaptations of this classic story, but three of them stand out for most modern audiences.  The first is the 1953 Disney version starring Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, and Hans Conreid.  This version is pretty faithful to the story (if not the tone) of the original and remains a classic children's film.

There is also the 1960 NBC broadcast of the stage musical starring Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard.  I was shocked at how close this version followed the original story.  Most of the dialogue is pulled straight from the book.  I loved this version as a child and consider it a must see for all fans of Peter Pan.

The other major adaptation is the 2003 version starring Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, and Jason Isaacs.  I haven't seen this version, but it has received generally positive reviews.          

Books for Fall

Once again we find ourselves at the turning of the seasons.  Kids have headed back to school, the days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are beginning to fall.  For many readers, this all means changes for the type of books we read.  Many of us put away our "beach reads" and instead reach for stories that evoke the cooling weather, the changing leaves, and the darkening nights that are approaching.

Over at the Melville House Blog, they have created a list of seven books that they think best suit this time of year.  They include the Gothic nonfiction Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, the American classic Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, the enduring Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and the cozy and mysterious Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.

My own reading list has been set for the rest of the year, and it also reflects the changing seasons.  Here is what I will be reading through the rest of 2013:

• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.  This early sensation novel was incredibly popular when it was first published in 1860 and it continues to be well loved among modern readers as well.  On a moonlit London Rd., Walter Hartright encounters a mysterious young woman dressed completely in white.  Little does he know that this chance meeting in the dark will entangle him mystery that will change his life forever.
• Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini.  From the author of the classic swashbuckler Captain Blood, this novel tells the story of Andre-Louis Moreau.  Raised by the French nobility, a tragedy drives him to join a band of actor and speak out against the power of the French Government.  
• The Professor by Charlotte Bronte.  Fall is Bronte time in my reading life.  After this one, I will have read every novel written by the Bronte sisters.  In Charlotte's first novel William Crimsworth (the professor) must make his own way in a world obsessed by money and manners.
• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.  Capote recreates the investigation, the trial, and the execution of one of America's most famous and bloody crimes.  In 1959, four members of a Kansas family were brutally murdered in their home for no apparent reason. In what is possibly one of his most famous works, Capote explores their story and gives insight into the nature of American violence.

How is your fall reading shaping up?  Do you have any favorite books that scream "autumn" to you?  Share them with us!
   

Heidi

God is good to all of us. He knows what we need better than we do. And just because he thinks it is better not to give you what you want right now doesn't mean he isn't answering you. You shall have what you ask for but not until the right time comes.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Heidi.  It is, after all, one of the world's best selling books and perhaps the most well-known works of Swiss literature. Written in 1880 by Johanna Spyri, this classic children's novel speaks of faith, love, the importance of education, and the beauty and freedom of life in the Alps.

The Plot:

After the early death of her parents, Heidi is raised by her aunt Dete until the age of 5.  When Dete accepts a new position, she take Heidi to live with her grandfather who has lived in seclusion high in the Swiss Alps for years.  At first, Heidi's grandfather resents her presence, but she soon wins him over with her innocence and love of life.  She in turn finds peace and happiness playing on the mountainside with Peter, the goatherd, and the goats.

Three years later, Dete returns to take Heidi to Frankfurt to live as a companion to Clara Sesemann, a wealthy girl who has lived as an invalid.  Though Clara takes to Heidi instantly, things don't go as smoothly with other members of the household.  Heidi's country manners and lack of education mortify the housekeeper Fraulein Rottenmeir and cause no end of trouble between them.  Even though Heidi finds comfort in the arrival of Clara's Grandmamma, she still longs to return to her life on the mountain.  As more time passes, it seems like that will never hapen.

My Review (Caution - Spoiler):

This story is one that I have been familiar with my whole life, but I haven't ever taken the time to read the original novel until now.  The book was originally subtitled "for children and those who love children", and I think that is a very apt description.  The simplicity and beauty of the story is enough to warm the heart of anyone who reads it.

I think what really makes this story so beautiful is it's setting.  Having been to Switzerland myself, I know that the beauty described is not exaggerated.  And Spyri's writing makes you want to live on the mountain to.  The fire-like sunsets, the wind whipping through the pine trees, the purity of the air...it is no wonder Heidi and Clara each grow strong and healthy here.  Life on the Alm is one of peace, freedom, hard work, and friendship.

Though the characters and plot of the novel are pretty simple, there are still many themes woven into it that are great for children (and adults) to hear.  The importance of simplicity and faith in life as represented by life on the Alm.  The need for education and human connection as represented by life in Frankfurt and the village.  And, perhaps most important, the belief that everything in life is subject to God's timing. That we are in the situations we are in for God's reasons and that no matter where we find ourselves God will bring good out of it.  Though Heidi's life in Frankfurt does not bring her pleasure, it ultimately gives her a love for learning and makes a way for Clara to get well.

There is a reason that this story is a classic.  It has all of the ingredients to capture the imagination of the young and young at heart.  If you haven't already read this story for yourself or your children, don't put it off any longer.  Though we are all familiar with it, there is no substitute for the real thing.

The Movie:

 There are dozens of adaptations of this classic story and most people have their favorite.  The one I am most familiar with is the 1937 version starring Shirley Temple, Arthur Treacher, and Mary Nash.  It has been a long time since I have seen it, but from what I remember it follows the basic plot with some variations here and there.  Fraulein Rottenmeir is much more of a villain and the Grandfather has to fight hard to get Heidi back.  A classic Shirley Temple film, and a nice adaptation.  

The other popular adaptation is the 1993 TV miniseries starring Noley Thornton, Jason Robards, Jane Seymour, and Patricia Neal.  I haven't seen this one, but it is one of the more well-known adaptations out there.     

Happy Birthday To:

H. P. Lovecraft

August 20, 1890

From even the greatest of horrors irony is seldom absent.

-The Shunned House

The Rescuers

Mice are all for people being free, so that they too can be freed form their eternal task of cheering prisoners--so that they can stay snug at home, nibbling the family cheese, instead of sleeping out in damp straw on a diet of stale bread.

Though many people are familiar with the title The Rescuers due to the popular Disney film, most don't realize that it was based on a children's book series.  Published in 1959, this story by English author Margery Sharp tells the story of three courageous mice and strives to teach children about overcoming fear, doing without for the sake of others, and the importance of friendship and loyalty in accomplishing any task.

The Plot:

The Prisoner's Aid Society is a group of mice whose mission is to bring comfort to prisoners throughout the world.  But a new challenge has arisen that will require more than just the ability to provide comfort.  A Norwegian poet is being held deep in the dungeons of one of Europe's most notorious prisons, and the Prisoner's Aid Society decides that he must be rescued.  They send Bernard (who works in the pantry of an unnamed embassy) to solicit the help of Miss Bianca, the pet mouse of the son of an ambassador.  They want her to travel to Norway to find a mouse who can communicate with the prisoner.

At first, Bernard feels that he cannot ask Miss Bianca to embark on so dangerous a mission.  She just seems too delicate and pampered to become involved in something like that.  But though Miss Bianca is definitely on the pampered side, she decides to set all of her fear and selfishness aside to help the poor poet.  So begins an incredible journey for the mice as they learn to trust each other and overcome their fear to bring relief and freedom to a suffering man. 

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Like most people, I had no idea that the Disney film The Rescuers was based on an actual book series.  It turns out that the film is actually based on the 2nd book in the series, so don't be looking for too many plot similarities in this book.

This is one of those books that isn't all that bad, it just doesn't reach the heights of "classic" literature.  The story and characters are very simple and straightforward.  This makes a perfect little read for your kids, it just doesn't capture the adult imagination like other children's classics do.  As an adult, you would want to know more about the poet's background, why he was in prison, and what this said about Cold War society.  But kids will simply identify with the mice and only really care about their story.  Sharp understands this and the story is definitely geared towards them.

But though the plot is simple, the overall themes are very important for children to hear.  In Bernard, they gain an understanding of what it means to look out for those weaker than you and to not let personal feelings get in the way of your task.  In Miss Bianca, they learn that sometimes you have to go through uncomfortable situations in order to do what is right and that loyalty to friends and family is very important.  

Again, this is a very simple story that is perfect for younger children to have read to them.  Adults shouldn't expect too much from it, but it is definitely one I would recommend as bedtime reading.  The pace is good, the characters easy for kids to sympathize with, and the lessons are important ones for kids to learn.  A sweet story overall that deserves a bit more attention than it normally receives.

The Movie:

Of course the film version is the 1977 Disney adaptation.  It stars Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor as Bernard and Bianca.  Again, plotwise it has more to do with the 2nd book in the series (Miss Bianca) but it is still well done (and well loved) film.        

Emma Approved

It's going to be Emma!  The creators of the wildly popular (and very well done) web series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries will be bringing another popular Austen story to the modern world.  The official title will be Emma Approved and will focus on the vlog of a young entrepreneur who also claims to be a fantastic matchmaker.  As in The LBD, this series will take the Austen original and change it to a modern setting and will also incorporate lots of social media aspects. Creator Bernie Su says that this story will most likely operate in the same universe as The LBD, so fans may get to see a familiar face or two in some o the episodes.

I am a huge fan of the original series and I can't wait for this one.  I think Emma is the perfect Austen story for this type of adaptation.  Emma Approved is set to premier this fall, so if you have been living under a rock and still haven't watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries now is the time to correct that.