By: Mariah Thomas
Many beloved Disney films have a more sinister origin story. In the specific case of Peter Pan, many of the first appearances showcase him as more of a mysterious figure who is comparable to an angel of death. It is widely believed author J. M. Barrie may have based the character of Peter around the death of his older brother, David, who sadly passed away the day before his 14th birthday. J.M. and his mother always thought of him as forever a boy frozen in time. Though many retellings of the classic tale stick to the more innocent approach, there are a few that stray that path. Author Cynthia Pelayo focuses on the idea of missing children and Peter being at the helm of responsibility as her book It Came From Neverland is such a fresh take on a classic story.
Many years after her encounter with Peter Pan, we find Wendy Darling is now a school teacher. However, she also spends her nights assisting soldiers who have returned from the Western Front. The looming darkness of WWI pairs with the despair of a haunting supposed serial killer. One of Wendy’s students goes missing and she is reminded of a handful of children that disappeared a few years ago who were later found murdered. Wendy is convinced this is the doing of Peter Pan though Wendy’s younger brothers only remember the magic of their encounter with Peter and the beauty of Neverland. Therefore, to them it is nothing more than a fantasy world they created as children. Wendy was old enough to remember more and the truth. Shockingly, when another child goes missing signs on who the perpetrator could be begin to point to Wendy she must prove her innocence and find a way to stop Peter.
I love that this book takes the readers on a familiar journey. Beyond, of course, just having the same names, author Cynthia Pelayo sticks closely to the overall story format. The new take on this tale is more of a perspective shift as it reevaluates certain moments brushed over for the sake of being a children’s story and asks the hard hitting questions. I enjoyed the concept of the “The Lost Boys” being expanded upon as the missing children. However, I wish this could have been more of a plot point. This book is fast paced in moments where as a reader I would have liked to spend more time.
Pelayo dives into the world of horror and mystery for most of her books. This pivot to taking on a story like this makes me crave for her to do more. I hope this sets up a future of Pelayo books based on other beloved Disney films and their origin story. A very specific thing I found myself loving throughout this book is the way this author is able to describe sound – something that may be a simple thing yet she does it so effectively, from focusing on a book snapping shut to the sound of crows fleeing a treehouse.
My only complaint with It Came From Neverland is that it leaves you wanting more in many places. In fact, I wish this book had been longer. Regardless, it was a great and worthy read as it combines a beloved classic from childhood and pairs it with the horror genre. This comes as a high recommendation from me for anyone that is in need of a quick read where you’ll enjoy turning pages.