Neverland

Neverland
Written by Margot McGovern
Contemporary, Mental Health, #LoveOZYA
336 Pages
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia
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★★★★★
Kit Learmonth would rather die than grow up and leave Neverland...

When she was twelve, Kit Learmonth watched her parents drown in a storm as their boat sailed over the Tranter Sink Hole. Now seventeen, Kit doesn’t remember the incident, and she doesn’t want to. In fact, her only clear memories from before her parents’ death are of the fantastical stories of pirates and mermaids that she and her dad invented about the small island where she grew up, a place she calls Neverland.

Following Kit’s parents’ deaths, her uncle and guardian, Doc, transformed the island into a boarding school for mentally ill teenagers and sent Kit away to school on the mainland. But when Kit tries and fails to end her life, Doc brings her home to the island and places her in the care of his colleague, Dr Hannah Ward.

Resisting her treatment, Kit instead pulls her friends deeper into her world of make-believe. It’s only when Kit and her new boyfriend, Rohan, take the fantasy too far and land themselves in very real danger that her faith in Neverland is shaken, and Kit must find a way back to reality.
Found bloodied and lifeless after attempting to take her own life, Katherine Eloise Learmonth is returning to her childhood home of Neverland, a secluded private island now housing a wellness hospital for adolescents. Seven years ago in a tragic sailing accident, Kit's parents perished, Kit the only survivor found on board the small vessel bound for the mainland. Neverland is an island and former residence of the Learmonth family, Kit growing up playing upon the shore and dreaming of the mythological stories her father created for his best selling novel Kingdom By The Sea.

The island is now home to at risk teenagers, sent to the exclusive resort style wellness centre to work with renowned psychiatrists and doctors, including Kit's uncle affectionately known as Doc. Kit uses self harm to escape the numbness of her parent's death, her mind unable to remember the tragic accident rendering her an orphan and placing her in the care of her uncle. 

Kit becomes the unreliable narrator, her trauma lingering as she still accepts the responsibility for the death of her parents. She begrudgingly accepts counselling sessions but often explores emotions of guilt and neglect as the narrator of a fictional story, replacing moments of difficulty with outlandish characters such as mermaids, selkies and sirens, incorporating the Neverland mythology taken from her father's best selling book. Avoiding the confrontation of self reflection leaves Kit carrying feelings of animosity and abrasiveness towards authority.

When she begins to accept help, her breakthrough occurs but it's a long journey for Kit to travel alone. Kit's treatment included stays in isolation, counselling and medication. It also explored relationships and mental health and the downfalls of a toxic relationship as she befriends new patient Rohan. Although Neverland centres upon Kit's narrative, the reader is introduced to friends Alistair and Gypsy. Alistair is a Psychopath and although friends with Kit and Gypsy, he lacks empathy and emotional responses, making him the perfect candidate for a no strings physical relationship with Kit. Gypsy has been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and currently in a relationship with a young and upcoming actor. Gypsy is heavily influenced by her relationship and the media, after visits from her boyfriend, her condition deteriorates. Although friends and a support for one another, they often enable one another, sneaking off grounds to drink, smoke and escape the confines of the wellness hospital. The one respite for Alistair and Kit is a sailing carnival hosted yearly on the island. 

The most striking aspect of Neverland is the blending of realism and imagination. It's written with a compassionate and considerate narrative yet realistic in the portrayal of mental wellness. One scene in particular has stayed with me, Alistair, in a rare moment of seriousness, displaying his vulnerabilities.
There's no cure for what I have. I'm not capable of change. But you, you can get better. Don't squander that because you're scared.
For Kit, that had become a sobering moment and the realisation that Rohan had become another toxic element in her life and to become well, she must journey alone. It was a sign of maturity and progress, for Kit to come to the realisation that she needed professional help. 

Although Neverland is a difficult, confrontational read, it reiterates the importance of recognising when we need help and accepting the hand that is able to guide our way. Not a cure, but feeling well with the assistance of coping mechanisms and medication. Margot McGovern has crafted a masterful and remarkable debut that destigmatises mental illness through characters that will resonate with readers. Tread softly my friends. 

18 comments

  1. I've read so many reviews on this one but I'm still not sure whether I'd give it a go, because of the visceral trigger warnings in this book. It definitely sounds like it's an important read that doesn't sugar coat things though, which is needed! Lovely review, Kelly!

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    1. It's a small element of the narrative to show the vulnerability and instability of the characters but may distress readers. Why I enjoyed most was how realistically it portrayed mental wellness and recognising toxic relationships.

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  2. I got shaken just reading the synopsis *shivers*. As lovely as the cover is, I don't think I'll be reading this one!

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    1. I can understand why some readers might be hesitant given the discussion surrounding mental illness, there is one particularly graphic scene but it's written with an incredible compassion and authenticity. Even given the themes, it's one I highly recommend. Perhaps save this one for a rainy day, I think it'll really surprise you.

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    2. Dang it, you've talked me into adding another book to my TBR mountain. Lol.

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  3. I'm adding this one to my TBR, but I'll have to be in the right headspace for it. It sounds like a really dark read, but I like that we get to see her journey, and that it seems to end with hope. Lovely review!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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    1. It's dark but again, that's also the nature of mental well being isn't it. The moments of negativity that often encourage us to reach out to others. It's an impeccable read. I would suggest readers exercise caution and be prepared for a few confronting scenes but it's important to destigmatise all aspects of mental illness and begin these often difficult conversations too.

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    2. "...it's important to destigmatise all aspects of mental illness and begin these often difficult conversations too." YES -- I agree 100%!

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  4. Fantastic review Kelly.
    I already had this one on my TBR. I knew it dealt with mental health, but I must admit I didn’t realise how intense the story was – so thanks for the warning, I can make sure I’m prepared before I crack it open.
    Xoxo Sarah.

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    1. Thanks Sarah.

      It's intense but such an important read. I felt such an affection for Kit especially, the trauma she's attempting to overcome at such a young age and although she has her uncle for support, she was alone in most regards as she lived within boarding schools on the mainland. I can't wait to see what you think of this one Sarah, I think you'll really enjoy it.

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  5. Oh wow, this sounds like a dark but incredible read. That cover is just stunning too.

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    1. Isn't it just Suzanne! I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  6. WOW this sounds so, so good! I must admit, it hadn't been on my radar, but knowing how deep it is, I really want to read it- especially with the mental health bit! Also love the cover! Great review, I am so glad I know about this one now!

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    1. It's an incredible read Shannon and I really enjoyed the discussion about mental health. It was so refreshing to see a character realising how destructive a toxic relationship can be along their journey to wellness and the significance of therapy and medication. It goes a long way to breaking down those barriers and igniting discussion.

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  7. When I saw the title for this one, I immediately assumed certain things that come with that word. But the premise is so much more complex than that, and so much better. You have me very curious about how it presents mental health.

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    1. The references to Neverland isn't a retelling as what most readers probably expect, but references the island itself and the themes of adulthood. It's a spectacular coming of age that tackles some tough discussions, I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  8. Oh wow, this sounds great. I hadn't heard of this one, but I love the premise. I like the idea of Neverland in this book, and it's definitely not what I'd imagined when I first read the title...most "Neverland" stories are usually fantasy. I like that this kind of blends the two - fantasy and contemporary - but only in terms of Kit's psyche. Thank you for sharing!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. That's a wonderful description of what Neverland is and I was surprised, as many readers have described it as a retelling, although the characters share a similar mischievous, free spirit. Similar to Peter Pan, the thought of coming of age and entering adulthood is a frightening aspect. It's a wonderful read Lauren, I think you would really enjoy it.

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