Darling Girl: A Novel of Peter Pan by Liz Michalski

Holly Darling, the grand-daughter, of Wendy darling has what appears to be a charmed life, however reality is not what the public sees. Holly’s daughter, Eden, is in a coma from a tragic fall 10 years ago and her son, Jack, has a serious medical condition. When Eden goes missing, Holly must face painful memories and judgment from those around her about what she has done for her children and how she has done it. Holly also exposes Jack to memories and a past he does not remember. While searching for Eden Holly and her mother, Jane, realize how many people in their lives are similar to characters from Neverland. Holly and Jane also face the fact that Peter Pan, Eden’s dad, is not the boy from the stories and he may be behind some recent events in London. While this book takes a few chapters to really engage the reader, once the reader is engaged it is very hard to put the book down. This reviewer finished the story in one day because it was just so hard to pause reading this story.

Character List/Book Summary:

Dr. Holly Darling – has a limp from a car accident that killed her husband and one of her twins. Tries to hide her children from the spot light. Kept a secret on Eden’s true conception from the world and the story behind it from her mother.

Wendy Darling – Holly’s grandmother, who did not tell Jane or Holly the entire truth about Peter Pan or the stories they had

Jack – Holly’s son, into lacrosse, and does not remember his sister or his twin, Isaac. Gets monthly injections for his medical condition. While in London, learns the truth about Eden and what his injections are really for. Is kidnapped by Peter Pan.

Eden Estelle Darling – Holly’s daughter, Jack’s half-sister, in a coma and goes missing one day. When she sees Holly she tells her mother that Bell work her and Peter has turned greedy. Tries to heal Jack before she disappears. Has a disease that is related to who her father is.

Peter Pan – not the nice boy from the story when he visited Holly, he raped Holly. Tells Holly that he is the hero in the story, because you cannot have a hook for a hand and be the hero. Potentially a drug dealer. Wants to trade with Holly so that she goes to Neverland with him and her kids stay behind, it was the same deal he offered Wendy but Michael would not let go of Wendy and Peter made him fall from the third floor injuring his brain.

Christopher Cooke – ex solider, at first refused to help Holly until he found out she was a Darling and suspected Peter is who she was trying to find. Uncovers the truth behind what Holly does not tell him in an effort to find Peter.

Barry – Holly’s business partner, a lawyer, is told Eden’s dad was not Holly’s husband, but not who he really is, when Holly asks for help. Fires Elliot for reporting Holly’s private research and suggests that Holly consider selling the company as she is distracted during a major partnership that is happening.

Lauren Lander – making a deal with Holly’s beauty company and very excited that she is going to be partners with Dr. Holly Darling because she is a Darling.

Elliott Benton – Holly’s best scientist, she wants to see what he can do in hopes that it will help Eden and/or Jack with their medical issues.

Ed – Nan’s (Jane’s housekeeper) brother who plays lacrosse and invites Jack to join him while Jack is in London. Has a deadbeat dad who has never wanted to be a part of Ed’s life. Goes missing when Jack goes missing. His dad is connected to the Darlings and so they take Nan in after the boys are recovered.