It feels like forever since I last wrote a book review, the gallop up to Christmas seemed all-consuming and so much fell by the wayside. But I’ve just finished the most amazing Young Adult fantasy, Lost Boy by Christina Henry, and it’s far too brilliant to keep to myself.
Lost Boy
“There is one version of my story that everyone knows. And then there is the truth. Once I loved a boy called Peter Pan … Peter will say I’m a villain, that I wronged him, that I was never his friend. Peter lies.”
There can’t be many people who haven’t heard the story of Peter Pan? Whether you read the original book by J M Barrie, watched the 1953 Disney cartoon, or you’ve seen any of the various film adaptations over the years, the tale of the boy who never grew up is a classic.
Well, this book takes that classic and turns it around so we see Peter Pan from the Lost Boys’ perspective. The narrator is the first Boy that Peter brought to Neverland and this is the story of their relationship from Jamie’s point of view. This Peter is spoilt, capricious, mercurial, and cruel. The carefree Disney sprite is nowhere to be seen.
That said, there are times when Jamie isn’t particularly heroic either. His trademark punishment meted out to pirates is vicious, and his solution for the Many Eyed, while effective, is brutal. But his relationships with Charlie, Nod and Sally are beautifully written, and I found myself in tears at one point towards the end on the beach.
As I read this book, I was reminded of that other boys on an island classic, The Lord of the Flies by William Faulkner. I don’t think I’m giving away any spoilers here but in truth, there are a lot of parallels: friendships, rivalries, betrayals, battles, deaths. And Lost Boy gave me the chills at times too.
The twist…
Slips in at the very end of the penultimate chapter. Although it wasn’t a complete surprise, it was so cleverly done and it stunned me, a real oh… wow… moment.
Why I’d recommend it
This book isn’t like anything I’ve read before. It’s not a long book (318 pages in paperback) and I just couldn’t put it down. There were parts I found quite hard to read due to the subject matter, but they’re not gratuitous, and I admire Christina Henry for not glossing over them. I’ve never been a particular fan of Peter and this book certainly hasn’t changed my mind. But it’s such a fresh twist on a story that I thought I knew and I love that the author has made me look at things in a new light. So much so that I’ve already bought her Alice and Red Queen books as well – and I don’t think I can write a higher recommendation than that.
Have you read Lost Boy or any of Christina Henry’s other books? What did you think? Or, if you haven’t, are you tempted to now?
* This post features some affiliate links (please see my disclaimer).
Lisa… I am SOLD. I’m immediately adding this to my to-read list. I have a few books that I want to buy at the moment so I’m hoping to get hold of them soon and this is definitely going to be one of them. I absolutely love alternative takes on Disney stories. I’d recommend Insanity by Cameron Jace, which is a take on Alice in Wonderland. Also, Locks by Sarah J. Pepper which is a take on Rapunzel. Thanks for the recommendation! <3
Oh, I’m so glad, I think you’ll love it 🙂 And thank you so much for your recommendations, it’s my birthday next month and Alan has been asking me what books I’d like so I shall go and check them out now!xx
I have been wanting to read a book by Christina Henry so I’ll be sure to add this to my to read list. I love things that put a new twist on the original. I actually really wanted to read Alice but just havent got around to it.
Abbie
overpeachchic.com
I hadn’t heard of the author before, I just picked the book up because of the cover and I’m SO glad I did. I can’t wait to read her other two Alice books now!
I haven’t read this as I really dislike Peter Pan, even as a story, but you have interested me! I may pick it up if library have it ?
Haha, well that is the ultimate endorsement of any book review, if I’ve possibly converted you! I hope you do find a copy, because it’s a really brilliant twist, I loved it 🙂 x
This sounds fantastic, and the idea to write the story from the point of view from the Lost Boys’ perspective sounds great. I need to check this out!
Honestly, it’s such a good book and the other point of view is so clever, I’m recommending it to everyone I know now! x
I vaguely remember watching Peter Pan when I was younger but don’t remember it too well. I like the sound of this story, a different perspective on a classic story sounds intriguing. Thank you for the review Lisa, it’s very well written and interesting <3 xx
Thank you, that’s very kind! I think the whole idea of telling the story from a different perspective, particularly such a classic tale, is so clever. I’m glad my write up may have done the book justice 🙂 xx
This sounds really interesting. I don’t often read twists/ different versions of classics like Peter Pan but this review has changed my view. I’m planning on doing a big book haul soon and this has just made my list x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh wow, that’s such a fab endorsement for any book reviewer, I’m so thrilled! I honestly don’t think you’ll regret getting this book, it’s really, really brilliant! xx
omg I have read Alice and it is one of my favourite books ever, but it is veryyy dark and twisted! I want to read this book even more now after reading your review! x
Ooooh, you’ve really whetted my appetite, I can’t wait to read the two Alice books now. Thank you so much for those kind words, I hope you love Lost Boy as much as Alice! X
Shoooot! This was a banging review! ? honestly I love book reviews especially when they’re perfectly laid like this. You feel like you’re caught in the moment and you’re enthralled by a book you haven’t even touched. I love twists on classics and I’d def enjoy this!
xx Lena
Awww, Lena, that is such a lovely thing to say, thank you so much! If you love twists then you should definitely read this book, it had me hooked from the very first page (pun intended, haha!) xx
Beautiful flat-lay! You really captured the vibe of the book!
I really liked Lord of the Flies when I studied it so I might have to pick this one up in hopes of reading something similar without having to delve into the details of why a tree is in a scene and whatnot 🙂 <3
Oh, thank you, I was rather pleased with this photo myself, so that’s lovely to hear. I think you’d like Lost Boy, it’s certainly not as deep as Lord of the Flies but it’s still a gripping read, nonetheless. Do let me know what you think if you do read it! xx
I’m definitely adding this to my Amazon wish list! Thanks for the review always good to discover new books!!
Jess xx
I’m so glad, it’s a wonderful book, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! x
I’ve never been a big Peter Pan fan either, but I do love a good reimagining of a classic tale. And you just reminded me that I still haven’t got round to reading Lord of the Flies, how embarrassing! ?
Oooops, sorry about that! But you don’t need to have read Lord of the Flies to enjoy Lost Boy 🙂 I think you’d love it, it’s such a clever little book xx
This sounds… incredible?! I need to read it immediately. Your review gave me actual goosebumps, it sounds like such an engaging and gripping book and I love the twist on a well-known tale but from a fresh perspective. I definitely need to get my hands on this!
Beth x
You really do, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Not like anything I’ve read before either. I LOVED it, it’s stayed with me and I keep recommending it to everyone ? xx