A word on re-tellings…
As far as I am concerned, if there is a story or tale that an author believes that they can upgrade in some fashion (whether that be to continue the story, re-tell it or just use it as a framework) the original better be lacking in some way that necessitates the tribute. For instance Beauty and the Beast was a traditional fairy tale, but sparse and linear in plot. The author Robin McKinley retells this story in her book Beauty. She takes that lacking framework and breathes life and vibrancy into it, creating an amazing tale.
So what in the #$%^* was Dan Elconin thinking when he wrote Never After?
Never After is based on plot elements from Peter Pan. Which was already a great story, so get your own idea buddy!!! It starts with Ricky, the angst filled teen who is taken away on a flight through the clouds by a persuasive Peter to Never Never Land. There things are a bit off and a daily fight for survival. Captain Hook, the crocodile, the Indians, the Lost Boys, and even a fairy are introduced. (With a groan of disappointment from me at the introduction of each). I would have just barely slipped into the author’s world: via wonderful descriptions and amazing character dialogue/banter, then another reminder of copy-cat plot would come up. While the author probably intended to give the story of Peter Pan a modern twist, the result was like mixing too many colors of paint together, leaving a dull puddle. Also I estimate that this book will be outdated within 5 years –it is chocked full of current cultural references that will have been forgotten or be considered lame in the near future. Hopefully by then your library patrons will have lost or destroyed it anyway. On a happy note, this author is one not to give up on and I will keep him on my radar for hopefully future improvements.
For Tweens?
Older spectrum only. Contains lots of sexual content.
Final Word:
Like Pop Singer who has a great voice and stage presence but performs others peoples work…Elconin is a great writer who needs to get create his own stories.
Elconin, D. (2009). Never After. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN#1416979670
