Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn’t believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.
Peter is unlike anyone she’s ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland’s inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she’s always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.
With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it’s the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who’s everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.
Release date: July 2012.
Truth be told—I’ve never been a huge fan of Peter Pan. I remembered a few things about the books/movies, but other than that, I had a pretty unbiased view of the storyline and characters (especially Tiger Lily). Therefore, I was surprised to find myself pretty invested in this original retelling of the beloved story of Peter Pan and Neverland.
I enjoyed how the story was told from Tinkerbell’s point of view. Although mute, Tink had the ability to read individual’s minds. This ability helped readers gain insight into character’s inner thoughts. I expected some high adventure and magic, but instead, the book was completely character based. It is through the characters that Anderson allows for subtle social commentary on sexual identity and religion. I grew to love these touching individuals and experienced their heartbreak too. This heartbreak added to the overall sadness of the story that Tink warned about in the first chapter. Tiger Lily’s remarkable ability to remain strong despite the misery around her is what differentiates her from other female leads.
Overall, this is a wonderfully written fresh take on a classic story. However, one doesn’t have to be a fan of Peter Pan to truly enjoy this novel. A recommended read.
