1. Authorship: The most obvious difference is the author. "Peter Pan" was written by J.M. Barrie and published in 1911, while "Wendy" was written by Daphne du Maurier, Barrie's daughter, and published in 1982.
2. Perspective: "Peter Pan" is largely told from Peter's perspective, emphasizing his adventurous and mischievous nature. In contrast, "Wendy" provides a stronger focus on Wendy and the emotional depth of her character. The sequel explores her experiences as a mother figure to the Lost Boys and her longing for the magic of Neverland.
3. Plot: While both novels feature similar settings and characters, the specific stories differ. "Peter Pan" revolves around Peter's adventures with Wendy, her brothers, and the Lost Boys. Peter must battle Captain Hook and save the day for the children who don't want to grow up. In "Wendy," the focus shifts to Wendy's return to Neverland many years later and her encounter with an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten most of their previous adventures.
4. Tone: "Peter Pan" is renowned for its whimsical and adventurous tone, capturing the fantastical nature of childhood. "Wendy," on the other hand, takes a more dramatic and introspective approach, exploring themes of aging, loss of innocence, and the complex emotions that come with adulthood.
In summary, while both novels feature the beloved characters of Peter Pan and Wendy, they offer distinct reading experiences, with differences in authorship, perspective, plot, and tone.