This novel take on a century-old story will break your heart.

The characters and world of Peter Pan is in safe hands.

The story of Lost Boy.

Through his young eyes, we see Neverland and Peter Pan like never before.

That wasnt where I wanted to write.

I wanted to know about who he was before he was Hook.

When the novel begins, he loves Peter best of all.

They have been together literally longer than Jamie can remember.

He is Peters favorite.

But, as Jamie begins to become disillusioned by The Island and Peters games, all of that changes.

The empathy of Lost Boy.

Where did the idea forLost Boycome from?

Henry has an 11-year-old son who was obsessed with the story of Peter Pan when he was five.

They would watch the 1953 Disney animated film and read the story over and over again.

Why does this adult hate this kid?

It was a question that sparked a novel.

I always say, if there was no Henry, then there would be noLost Boy.

And, obviously, Peters a charismatic leader.

And so they follow him.

This book will break your heart, and its the empathy on every page that will do it.

Henry believes in the vital humanity of this proto-Captain Hook, thus so does the reader.

The darkness of Lost Boy.

Was there any pushback from Henrys editor or agent about the darkness of this book?

They wanted to verify that people knew it would be a dark book.

Guys, its a dark book.

Its not a YA book.

Its a book thats written for adults.

Would she like this?

And Im like, Maybe you want to wait a couple of years.

Its a case-by-case basis.

Usually I do say that my editor calls itLord of the FliesmeetsPeter Pan.

If your kids arent ready forLord of the Flies, theyre probably not ready for my book, either.

Putting a spin on an existing story is nothing new.

Barrie retold the story of The Boy Who Wouldnt Grow Up multiple times.

After that, Barrie wrote the 1911 novelPeter and Wendy.

So the story starts to change already in the first retelling.

Henry speaks of the collaborative nature of these ongoing myths.

That was me, wanting to answer this question of Why does Hook hate Peter Pan?

I filled in the space.

It really gets into this issues of fandom and ownership and what is the authentic character?

Is there an authentic character or is there space for all of these ideas to exist?

Whats next?

Want to know what happens afterLost Boy?

There are plenty of Peter Pan stories, including the original, that will continue the story for you.

So, to find out what happens next, readPeter Pan.

As for Henry, she just finished writingHis Mermaid, a tale of magic, mermaids, and P.T.

Barnum, according toHenrys official website.

With her next novel finished, Henry is on the lookout for ideas for her next project.

When asked about narrative spaces in other iconic stories she might like to explore, she has some ideas…

The Tempestis one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and Ive always wondered what happened to Miranda after.

And I liked to imagine her older, like who is she now?

Order Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook viaPenguin RandomhouseorAmazon.