The Adventures of Mary Darling is a brilliantly imaginative reworking of Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie, told through the eyes of a character often relegated to the background, Mary Darling, the mother of Wendy, John, and Michael. Pat Murphy brings her front and center, turning her into a rich, compelling protagonist whose story blends whimsy with sharp, subversive commentary.

What begins as an adult fairy tale soon deepens into something far more layered. Murphy infuses the narrative with real historical context, interweaving elements of feminism, colonial critique, and the experiences of Indigenous Americans with literary flair. The inclusion of Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters - Sherlock Holmes and John Watson - adds yet another surprising dimension, creating a genre-crossing adventure that feels both playful and profound.

Mary Darling herself is a standout. She's a mother, yes, but not a passive one. She drives the story, pushing against the limited roles expected of women in her era. Her journey is one of self-discovery, agency, and connection with other women from diverse backgrounds. Watching them collaborate and support one another is a powerful and refreshing theme throughout the book.

The prose is beautiful, the tone balanced between whimsy and emotional depth, and the characters feel fully realized, complex, flawed, and vibrant. This novel doesn't rely on nostalgia or stereotypes. Instead, it breathes new life into a familiar tale by exploring the unseen and unspoken beneath the surface.

Pat Murphy’s The Adventures of Mary Darling is a masterful example of how retellings can both honor and transform their source material. It’s thoughtful, beautifully written, and delightfully unexpected. A must-read for fans of literary reimaginings with something real to say.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.