It was such a privilege to listen to Abi speak with Nikki Gamble on the eve of publication for Saving Neverland. She has such an open and honest way of speaking about her books and characters. Here is my review in time for publication day!
I have a soft spot in my heart for all that Abi writes. Her use of language, description and characters are always perfectly formed. Her voice is honest and true and every adventure is full of hope and positivity.
Admittedly, I have never been a fan of Peter Pan. It wasn’t a movie my children were interested in and I have never spent much time within the book itself but I knew Abi would bring this story to life in such a way that I could now read Peter Pan and enjoy it.
As I was reading Saving Neverland, I was struck by so many wonderful lines of text, ones that made me smile, laugh and cry; the words that truly touch your heart and there are so many dog-eared pages that I wanted to remember. Sorry about the dog-ears by the way…
Martha feels the need to grow up and protect her younger brother Scruff at all costs, but “He had this way of reaching into her heart and tugging it in all sorts of unexpected directions.” Torn between needing to grow up and wanting to have adventures, it is ultimately Scruff who will make Martha see sense and fun again, as he says, “She’s having issues with adventures at the moment”.
When their adventure truly takes a turn for the worse, both Martha and Scruff continue to fight for Neverland and the Lost Boys in the way that only children can, “Because children do impossible things every single day”. A true adventure to break a curse and save the wondrous world of Neverland, a world that has captured the imaginations of children around the world.
Thrilling, imaginative and enthralling, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss! Keep your windows open and ready yourself for a journey to Neverland. Can you remember the directions?
“Second star to the right and straight on till morning!”
My Shelves Are Full 