Peter Pan

By: J. M. Barrie

Narrated by: Lily Collins

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's Summary

There are few characters in literature more iconic than J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. Originally introduced in 1902 in another Barrie novel (The Little White Bird), Peter's story was expanded as a standalone novel in 1911 and since then has been memorably adapted for the movies, for television, and for stage.

Now, actress Lily Collins (The Blind Side, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones) brings new, youthful energy to Peter's magical adventures - her performance capturing the innocence and wonder of Barrie's original tale. Through Collins' voice you'll rediscover your favorite characters: Captain Hook, the Darlings, Tinker Bell, The Lost Boys, and a tick-tocking crocodile. And you'll fly along with Peter through Neverland - a place full of magic and adventure; a place where no one gets old.

Public Domain (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Fun Story, but Jim Dale is Far Better...

How can you go wrong with "Peter Pan"?
Well, you can have Lily Collins narrate it. Don't get me wrong; she's a fine narrator, but "Peter Pan" demands far more than someone who can only do Wendy's voice well.
Missing is the snarling of Captain Hook, the folly and bravery of the Lost Boys (Nope. No lost girls: girls are too clever to fall out of prams), the swashbuckling tones of pirate songs. Gone too is the passion and the urgency, the delight of the story.
One of the very best things about the Classics is that you can get the kindle version for cheap (just get the free kindle app if you don't have a kindle), quite often, and that'll open a treasure trove of possibilities on Audible. I did that to get the Jim Dale version of this wonderful classic, where thimbles are kisses, and kisses are acorns worn as necklaces. Where a crocodile ticks, and Wendy is a mother to little boys craving stories and love. Where birds give up their nests so that Peter might float his way to safety and where Peter gives up his hat so a bird might have a nest for her eggs.
It's a story not to be missed, but Ms. Collins just can't carry off the many characters, the breathtaking sweeps of action and joy. Though I can't recommend this version, I do recommend the book for your children (and you!).
After all, when a little baby laughs for the first time, a new fairy is born...
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Oh Lily, Lily...

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Sadly I made it through about two chapters when I gave up and instead purchased another audiobook, with a different narrator. Lily is lovely, but sadly she brought absolutely nothing to this reading. It is Peter Pan - it should be read with more than just your normal voice - an at that one with an American accent to such a British story. It is nothing against Lily personally.
I switched over to a reading by Jim Dale.

Peter Pan

As always, I enjoyed the story of Peter Pan. I also enjoyed Lily Collins narrating it, her voice is soft and prefect for Wendy but worked for everybody somehow. My issue is this- who in the world let her say "mischievious" and TWICE?? The pronunciation is mischievous, ya know, as it's spelled. This is not open to interpretation. It sounds trivial but it really dampened her performance for me.

exciting, funny, dark and light at once

better than I expected and both playful and mature at one time. reminds me of Alice in wonderland, high praise.

Loved it! <br />

I've always been a big fan of Peter Pan, and this reading was just marvelous! I enjoyed every second of it.

Wonderful!

Lily Collins does a wonderful job reading this classic tale. I love this story! Listening to this makes me wish I hadn't grown up.

A classic story told by a child without voice...

Would you try another book from J. M. Barrie and/or Lily Collins?

I would try another book from JMBarrie, but I will never listen to Lily Collins again.

What was most disappointing about J. M. Barrie’s story?

Even if I don't remember the story very well ( I think I will read it again) I don't think the problem with this book is the author, but the bad selection of the performer. When you read a story, you can imagine the voices, the persons, the environment, the time in which the action goes on, etc., all by yourself. When you hear a narrator, you need a voice that allows you to go by the same process without seeing letters, to enjoy the story itself. In this case, it is impossible to access to that experience.

What didn’t you like about Lily Collins’s performance?

I didn't like the performance of Lily Collins at all: she has no apropiate voice, she doesn't know how to express feelings, excitement or whatever the author tries to transmit. I couldn't keep listening at all, not even finished the first chapter. Besides that, her voice has been recorded without the appropriate volume, so it is hard to hear even with a lot of patience.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was so disappointed that I stop listening; I tried again some other day, and the feeling was exactly the same. I won't recommend it.

Good story, unseasoned narrator

While the narrator read pleasantly, she mispronounced so many words I wished she'd had an editor. It's inexcusable. Aside from that flaw, Barrie's story mostly retains its charm despite descriptions which are sexist and racist by today's standards.

My two boys loved this story and reading

On a long trip in a moving van they loved listening to this classic story

A very sad story

I always forget how sad Peter Pan is. The story is a telling of how people are full of flaws, which in it self is not bad, but it scares me more than it draws me in. Lily Collins is a good fit for this particular story, with her delicate voice.

Peter Pan makes me too sad. I will stick to the Disney version.

Disgusting.

Why is such a quintessential British classic being read by a monotone American? Hugely disappointing. Returned immediately.

It's a great story and narrated very well.

This is one of my all time favourite stories. Lily Collins narrates this very well and has a warm tone to her voice that pulls me into each line.
I was left wanting to restart the book again :-)

Ruined by an inappropriate accent!

This book was ruined for me by having an English classic read by someone with a heavy American accent. I had to concentrate on unravelling the speech rather than listening to the story.

Beautiful

First time I've listened to this book, but I am in love with it.
It makes your heart light up with joy and makes you want to go back to it again and again.
An amazing book that generations to come will love.
Neverland is the perfect escape for adults and children alike.

Brilliant book

Absolutely brilliant even better than Harry Potter I highly recommend this to anyone who likes adventure

Thoroughly enjoyed

Not the Disney version lots more intricate details of this much loved classic. Really enjoyable listen

What's not to like?

A classic of course, but although I have seen and heard many versions through childhood I hadn't read (listened to) the original.

I enjoyed the performance and the story, it was clearly a work of its time with some of the attitudes towards Wendy quite unbelievable to modern sensibilities. This didn't take anything away from it though, well written and entertaining.

Pure magic

I thought I knew Peter Pan. But this book contains ever so much more magic than the movies. It is flawless, and so is the narration.

Been a long time since read this book

In a long time since I’ve read Peter Pan and I absolutely love Hook the movie which for me is the best Peter Pan movie ever with Robin Williams in it. I’d forgotten how petty and sad Peter Pan is as a character until I listen to this book again with Lily Collins surprisingly doing it for quite a good job narrating which I don’t think it would’ve known if I did not listen to this one going through a few classics at the moment and really enjoying them hopefully other peter pans become available

Brilliant absolutely fantastic

Pay no heed to those whom talk of the accent this reader is amazing I’ve been dumbstruck by how beautiful read she is for a child’s classic