True, it's a work of fiction. Fantasy, even. But that doesn't mean the Neverland can't be visualized—rife as it is with magical creatures, ecosystems, micro-climates and historical flashbacks.
You can find anything in cyberspace, and I've assembled a pictorial tour of the world of Alias Hook, from the Indian villages, Fairy Dell and mermaid grotto of the Neverland to the Restoration-era origins of James Hook himself.
Although I don't subscribe to the Disney version of the story, I love the flying ship in this marvelous concept sketch for Peter Pan by the gifted artist Mary Blair.
Want to see the 17th Century French harpsichord James Hook plays in his lonely cabin on board his ship, the Jolie Rouge? It's here. Interested in Hook's ornate scarlet coat, or the antique chemise my heroine, Stella, wears in the Neverland? They're on the board.
The Indians—I call them the First Tribes—are a presence throughout my story. The poised young chief, Eagle Heart, can be seen on the board.
So can the interior of the Medicine Lodge where James and Stella spend their last night in the Neverland.
I've been fortunate to discover the work of some excellent artists online who specialize in Native American scenes. This is an image by contemporary artist Howard Terpning, called "White Woman" (the name of the creek in the picture).
But I see it as members of the First Tribes by the Inland Waterway in the forest of Neverland, where the boys and the fairies live.
And what fun would the Neverland be without mermaids? James Hook is initially terrified of the mermaids—he calls them the loreleis—and considers their Mermaid Lagoon the most treacherous place in the Neverland.
Here's an image that communicates the eerie mystery of the Lagoon. I think this is from a turn-of-the-century painted tile, and I just love it! Look at the provocative, Theda Bara expression on the mermaid's face, as she placidly wrings out her hair.
Seductive and sinister—that's the Mermaid Lagoon.
Then, of course, there are the fairies. A great deal of the plot in Alias Hook revolves around fairies getting up to mischief. And speaking of fairies, forget about Tinker Bell.
These fairies work hard, as the keepers of magic in the Neverland, and protectors of the boys. And they play hard at their moonlit Revels in the Fairy Dell.
The Victorians were feverish fairy-painters! Here's a detail from the painting "The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania" by Joseph Noel Paton, completed in 1849.
I love how diverse the fairy population looks in this image—and how much frenzied frivolity is going on.
This is exactly how I picture the Fairy Revels in Alias Hook.
New pins will be going up as time permits (she says hopefully). So please do check it out, and keep checking back.
Enter the mystic portal. Live the dream!
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