Peter: The Untold True Story

Peter: The Untold True Story #1

by Christopher Daniel Mechling

Chris Mechling's new historical novel, Peter, introduces readers to the amazing true story behind the fairy tale of Peter Pan. The book tells the adventures of the real boy who came to London and became a well-known figure more than a hundred years before James Barrie penned his classic. Peter the Wild Boy lived in eighteenth century England, through the reigns of three kings (all named George), and achieved legendary status in his own lifetime. He was not only a popular figure, but also drew intense philosophical and scientific study, and was a subject of interest to literary figures such as Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. Peter retained a youthful appearance throughout his life, and had a joyful, intuitive spirit that was both challenging and infectious. This imaginative dramatization of the life of Peter the Wild Boy captures the joy, innocence and fire of a bright, feral child living in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment. It is narrated by the girl who perhaps knew him best. The epic story of his life, spanning approximately seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters. Peter is a magical, poignant tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Retellings, Fairy Tales

220 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2013

About the author

Chris Mechling was born and raised in San Diego, California. Together with his brother Nick, he owns and manages several businesses. Now 30 years old, Chris has been writing since childhood, and intends to publish a number of his completed works over the next few years- with Peter: The Untold True Story being the first to be released.
His passions, besides writing, include teaching, painting, and martial arts practice.

Reviews

[Hazel West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not in any way obligated to write a positive review.

Thoughts on the Overall Book: I always like to read "origin stories" or such like, especially for characters in famous books or ones about the people they were based off of. I didn't know a lot about the origin of Peter Pan before I read this book, so it was an interesting read for me.

Cover--Yea or Nay: To be honest, this cover would not make me pick up the book. If I didn't have prior knowledge of what this book was about I would easily pass over it.

Characters: Since the characters are all real people (at least I assume that is the case, there wasn't as much author note as I would have liked in this book) I didn't form the same opinions about them as I would fictional characters. Peter was an enjoyable character to read about and I like to see his exploits and such. I liked how it was narrated first by Margaret, the girl responsible for finding Peter the 'Wild Boy" originally, and then Caroline, the royal princess who comes to know Peter when he stays at the palace and becomes very good friends with him, writing about his exploits both fictional and truthful. I can't say much to the portrayal of the historical characters in this story as the only ones I really had any prior knowledge to enough to say anything about were the King Georges and Prince William Duke of Cumberland who I have always known as the Butcher Cumberland in popular history.

The Romance: There's not really any romance, in this. Since it's written like a biography, It's not really relevant in the way I usually mark romance in books, but there's a little bit between the doctor who is Margaret's father, and Peter's caretaker, Rose. There's hinted little things between Peter and Caroline, but nothing that ever comes to anything.

Writing Style: This is a book that reads like a narrative biography. Not really like an actual novel, but not really like a biography either. Overall, I rather liked the tone of it; it worked good for the story it was telling, being written like one recounting a story at a later date which is pretty much what this is.

Accuracy/ Believability: Since I know very little about the events this story talks about, if at all, I can't say whether they were true to life or not, however, one thing that bothered me while reading was that I had to keep reminding myself what time period this was. I don't know what it was, but this book didn't feel like it was set in the early 1700s, it felt more like the 1800s or Victorian era to me. I don't know if it was the dialogue or the actions of some characters, but it was hard for me to picture the period in which this was set.

Problems/What bothered me: Apart from that mentioned above, the main this that bothered me about this book is that I wished there was more of an author's note. I was confused with whether this story was written from Caroline's actual journal or not. The author mentions it in the introduction, and there's another mention of it on the title page, so I don't know if I just missed something but I was a bit confused on that subject. Either way, I would have liked to know what changes the author made or such things as that.

Conclusion: 3 stars. It's an enjoyable story and an easy read, and I liked having the opportunity to read it.

Recommended Audience: Ages 13 and up, I would recommend it to Peter Pan fans so that you can learn a little more about the real boy who inspired the story.

[Mallory Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free on Amazon.

Everyone knows the tale of Peter Pan, but this is the story of Peter, the real boy who never grew up. It is the tale of a young boy found in the Hamelin forest, and the adventures he had once he was brought back to civilization and the court of England. Peter: The Untold True Story is such a wonderful and magical book. You grow attached to Peter and the other characters. It made me smile, laugh, and cry. I think the author did an amazing job writing this. Each chapter was detailed and very well written.

This was an enjoyable read and couldn't be read at a more perfect time for me. Reading this made me feel like a kid again. Don't we all just want to be a little bit like Peter? Don't we all want to be forever young?

This book is perfect for all ages and I highly recommend it.

[Crissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so well written, it was as if it were one of the classics. I loved how it was its own story, wrapped around true events as well as hints of Neverland-like magic. Every time I sat down with this book, I felt like I was being wrapped up in it like a blanket. Toward the end, the author did a good job of portraying the emotion behind saying goodbye to childhood. I may have lost a few tears in those final chapters.

It's hard to say which parts are real, and which parts are made up. In the beginning, I wondered this a lot. By the end, it no longer mattered. This was an amazing story, full of love, innocence, and magic. It transported me from my world to Peter's world. The story is what it's supposed to be. Well done, Christopher Mechling.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of Peter in December and finally got around to reading it. I really liked this rendition or retelling of Peter Pan. I have always loved the story of Peter as it made me realize how wondeful it is to be a kid in a big world full of hard questions and hard decisions. I really liked how the author slowly starting piecing the story of Peter Pan that we all know together, with the feather in his hat and the defeated pirate. I love retellings of my favourite stories so this was a great treat for me. Great book Christopher. Thanks for giving me the chance to read it.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very uplifting and definitely a feel-good read. It seemed to be lacking a little bit in plot at times, and I would probably recommend it mostly to children or teens. However, I definitely enjoyed reading it. Although I disagreed with some of the philosophical discussions, I did think they added to the book and I enjoyed reading them. It was especially enjoyable to read the references to actual authors. I would have enjoyed more history in the book and less fairies, but overall it was a good read!

I received a free advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

[Linda Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a fabulous story I enjoyed every page of this book. Wonderful adventure you can't help go along for the ride with Peter and friends. The enjoyment I felt when things went well for Peter and the sadness when they went wrong. My thanks to the author Christopher Mechling also my thanks for the privilege and pleasure of reading this wonderful story I would love to read more in the future so yes I would recommend this book to my friends happily so to all happy reading with love from wee me. xxxx

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relaxing read! You become attached to peter throughout the book,emotionally and compassionately and his moods and actions are very infectious, in the story and to the reader! You become so enthralled in trying to find out the secrets of this boys life and his upbringing that before you know it, you have finished the book. To me that's what makes this story the magic of the mystery!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed.
First of all I must say I loved the foreword. It is a must-read to all aspiring writers.
"Peter: The Untold True Story" is a magical,kind and innocent type of story. It made me smile till the end. It gave me adventure,magic,a whole new world and interesting characters that made this ride a good one.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I won this as a giveaway. I could not put this book down because I wanted to learn more about Peter and the inspiration for Peter Pan a century later.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical journey that captures the spirit of fantasy through dreams and wishes

PETER: The untold true story of the boy who never grew up is an illuminating insight that explores the mysterious life of one of the age of enlightenment’s most curious characters, through the eyes of those who met him. The enthralling, enchanting historical narrative( wherein you discover the origins of a legend)transports you back in time to the heart of18th century England. The exciting adventures of the wild boy {mirrored in the fairytale of Peter Pan} are encapsulated on the page, with such vibrancy and enthusiastic interest. Journeying from the enchanted forest of Hamelin, to the grim house of corrections at Celle and to the splendour of the Royal Palaces in London and Kensington Gardens; this supremely singular story is one that will linger on forever…in all our hearts!

“All children grow up, all but one.
His name is Peter and by now,
All the civilized world has herd of him.”

Chris Mechling’s extraordinary novel full of rich detail goes beyond the classic fairytale to expose the real boy who lived. Focusing on the boy who lived more than a hundred years before James Barrie wrote his classic, this book brings a past era gloriously to life (including iconic legendary figures such as Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift).Peter was not only a popular, recognizable figure at the time but also an intense philosophical and scientific study + an interest to many literary figures. Most significantly within this book the author captures with acute clarity the joyful, intuitive spirit of the individual who became something truly remarkable… Peter’s joy, innocence and fire are qualities that we all embody as children and so I found this poignant account rather nostalgic.

Memories of my childhood and youth were brought to the fore as I delved into this dazzling novel, containing colourful characters and thoughtful reflections and impacting resonance. Peter is a magical, poignant tale full of love, humor and outstanding courage in the face of hardship and trials. Above all this wonderful book makes you dream and remember how dreams really can come true!

*I would like to thank Chris Mechling for providing me with a copy of his first published work for reading & review purposes. *

www.christophermechling.com

www.peterpantruestory.com

[Roxie Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Daniel MechlingPeter: The Untold True Story was a Goodreads First Reads giveaway of which I was fortunate enough to win!! Thank you :)

If you are a Peter Pan aficionado, then this is the book for you! It is written through beloved memories of little girls that wanted the enchantment that was Peter to be remembered and enjoyed by others. Stories were created and exaggerated upon, to entertain him and his thirst of having stories read to him, as his caretakers ran out of stories written by renowned authors of his day.

A toddler, left alone in the woods in Germany, discovered by a young girl, along with her father (the King's doctor), was captured and eventually made the ward of the King, who named him Peter. While under the care of the doctor, young Margaret began to document her beloved Peter. When the King went back to England he took Peter with him, and Margaret not only handed over her journals to Princess Caroline, but her love for Peter as well.

As years passed, Princess Caroline and those surrounding Peter matured and aged, yet Peter remained childlike in looks and height, with a limited vocabulary, and continued to enchant generations of the families that had grown to love him. This book details the telling of the love that those surrounding Peter had for him through their stories.

Personally, as I read, my mind also wandered to a childlike Tarzan and to the Pied Piper. It may have been steeped in Peter's history, but it was an enchanting rendition of how he came to be. If you enjoy the history of our beloved fables, this is an absolute must read for you!!

WELL DONE Christopher Mechling!!

[Evija · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story got me from the first few pages making me smile and kept me turning pages till the very end. I liked the way this book was written. Proper attention was given to details from the very start, wich ignited my visual imagination, made me to bond with the characters quickly, feel their emotions and environement around them. As the story evolved, it became more narrative focusing on the events rather than on the details around those events. I liked Peter and sympathized with him. I kept guessing what would become of him, and he made me to look deeper into my soul longing to become a better person. Even after reading the book the urge to be an organic and natural part of the nature, breathe at the same rhythm with it, rather than just remain a passive observer, still persists. Just to stay still for a moment and let the world in, never to stop wondering, smiling and be open to what may come even if it may hurt.
Talking about the shortcomings, most of the time it was difficult to tell which parts of the story were true and which - just an imagination.

[F. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story was a breath of fresh air. In the theme of youth this was the cleanest story I have read in a very long time. Peter is a baby when this story starts riding in a carriage with his parents. The carriage comes to a stop in the middle of the enchanted forest and Peter disappears not to be seen again till age 11. Naked and grown up in the wild. Margaret a young girl sings and Peter stops to listen. Margaret spots the wild boy. Her family takes him in and everyone who comes to know Peter is enchanted by him.

This story includes all the adventures you knew and loved with a different twist. I will be reading this story to my boys. This story moved me to tears. Peter who reflect innocence and true genuine kindness unaffected by the world around him and the problems that come with age. Sometimes the fountain of youth is not always a blessing. I enjoyed this adventure and even pictured it coming to life in a movie someday. I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Megan Coppadge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of the author. I really loved this book. It kept my attention and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Peter next. I loved all of the characters and I felt like they were all well rounded, I wasn't missing any crucial information.

There's only two things that I can think of off the top of my head that bothered me. One of which was my fault completely and had nothing to do with the author. I didn't know any thing about King George I or his family so I did a little research and there are some major differences between what happened in real life and what happened in the book. However, I prefer what happened in the book to what actually happened in real life. The other thing would be the language and some of the actions that the characters did. It didn't seem to go with the era that the book was set in.

Other then that I really loved this book and it was well worth reading!!

[Jeniece Goellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a giveaway by the author on Good Reads. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author’s first book turns a historical figure of Peter the Wild Boy that inspired tales of Peter Pan into an easily accessible, charming, and captivating story for all ages. The narrators the author uses, young girls at different points in Peter’s life, speak from the heart about Peter and I found it helped let Peter enter my own life as I read this novel.

Looking at the story of this boy’s life helped bring important things into perspective. The wisdom we find in Peter magnifies well beyond the obvious desire of being forever young. It is a delightful look at human nature and the importance of retaining a childlike innocence and wonder that is all too often lost in today’s world. I know I will go forward in my days and try and keep a little piece of Peter with me. So thank you Christopher Mechling for this lovely novel. I look forward to future works.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was not expecting this book to be so good. This is one of those books where you simply can't tell if it is fiction or not, it is so well written and so plausible! It feels just fantastic enough to be true.

While I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for Peter, I kept reminding myself that he was happy with the path his life took. And whether I agreed with the "civilized" people or not, it was a really interesting twist on the Peter Pan story, one that will stick with me for a long, long time to come.

It reads like a superbly written biography, and has characters as well developed as any classic literature I've read. It entertains, while presenting philosophical questions it does not answer. It is a great read, both from a fun standpoint and an enlightening one. Could not recommend this any more strongly!

[Charity Cano Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very easy read, it flowed well, and was able to read it in a sitting. I loved the character Peter and the fact that he didn't speak (others doing it for him) and I grew to love the characters, when some had to leave I felt hurt that they wouldn't be able to be a part of Peter's life anymore. I also liked how Mechling was able to create a world of faries in England.

My con's would be that the book felt a little empty, or more about the girls/woman in his life...there were also points that a character would start a speech and I grew tired reading it, I understand a profound thing was being discovered but I think for the target audience it should have toned down a bit on the soliloquy. Overall a good read, a must have/read for any Peter Pan fan. Thank you for sharing this book with me!

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the idea of this book. The real life Peter Pan was so intriguing to me. I think Mechling did a great job of telling the story. It was interesting to see the aspects of the Peter Pan story in the story of the Wild Boy.

This book was an easy read and kept my interest most of the time. There were some parts where some uneventful visits back and forth bored me but overall I wanted to continue reading to see what would happen next.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes the story of Peter Pan.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads giveaway and was excited to dive right into it. Overall, it was a well written and enjoyable story of Peter, The Wild Boy, told from the perspective of the royal family in the 1700s. The only thing missing from the book, in my opinion, was additional author's notes to provide a little more historical perspective to the story. I highly recommend the book to anyone that is interested in learning the foundation to the tale of Peter Pan and to those that just enjoy a good tale.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a while for me to write this because my son had the book first and then I finally got to read it. I liked this book. I love fairy tales and The stories behind them. I thought this book was entertaining and well written. I love the characters and how Peter to is remembered by people who actually knew the boy behind the story. My son also liked this book. He is 10 and said that he liked this book and how it was an original story (as in behind the movie, where it came from) He liked how it put Peter pan in a realistic way.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with this book! While it doesn't have much in the action department, the feel of the story more than makes up for it. This will be one of those stories you read over and over and your kids will love it as much as you do! I had my 4 year old nephew overnight and he wanted a story before bed so I pulled this out having just started it. After the first part he begged me to keep reading. He stayed up until halfway through the third part. And when he woke up we had to keep reading! Definitely worth the read!

[Miranda Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I am already in love with the story and the characters from Peter Pan and this book makes them even more real. I loved every second of it. It was a quick read and I loved Peter's innocence and unconditional love. Very cute book, 'easy-to-read' writing style, great characters, and a fabulous plot line. I really enjoyed it.

[Amelia Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with a story that would touch even the coldest of hearts. This story was brilliant and entertaining throughout, and, as my first historical fiction read I think it did the genre justice and I will definitely look out for Christopher Mechlings work in the future. I loved every page of it.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Real Review to follow - But for now let me quickly say this book is one of very few books I will give a five star rating. Complex layers of thought provoking ideas weave in and out of this book depending on how one approaches the reading, it would "fit" into almost any book genre. All in all his book gave me plenty to ruminate about as I enjoyed the story.

[UnControlled Pen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great story of Peter Pan/ “the wild boy” had me engross in their world. Between the pastime backdrop, jungle, and king came a great adventure. The book flowed so well, I found myself flying through the pages. You will know if you will like this book by the first ten pages. This one I will read again.

[Seeing Double in Neverland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such and interesting take on a Peter Pan story. Christopher enchanted me with this story.
Check out my full review here:
http://seeingdoubleinneverland.blogsp...

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enchanting read. Well written and engaging, it was hard to out down at times. If you enjoy getting the "backstory" to fairy tales as I do, you will be as engrossed by this book as I was. A fabulous first novel for Mechling and I hope to see more in the future!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this--I got a free copy off of Amazon and figured I would give it a shot. This was a great, fun read. The plot was well-developed and easy to follow, but I would have liked to see more depth in the characters. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author.

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the author's Twitter giveaway.

I liked this book. It was a nice Peter Pan origin story. You really grow attached to Peter. However, I wish I knew how much of it was true and how much of it was the author's own writing. That was unclear.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story. Easy reading. It is really more for a young audience.