Reviews

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

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ouis's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

k8hd9's review

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adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Great read, evenly paced, well plotted and ends satisfactorily.

I'm a Gaiman fan and was happy to pick this up in a hotel book swap, took a while to finish but that was due to external factors not because I wasn't engaged. Gaiman builds a convincing picture of an unfulfilled but inevitable life for Richard, and then builds an even more convincing alternate world under London where he realises his potential as the plot unfolds. Darkly comedic, sometimes gruesome, this was an easy read and whilst it could be taken at face value as just an adventure/mission in a fantasy world there are layers to it that reference the darkness in our 'real' world, particularly in our big cities. I liked the use of London landmarks as characters and don't expect to experience London in quite the same way the next time I visit!

seashelfs's review

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4.0

(3.75)
Neil Gaiman has a way of writing that is uniquely his, which I greatly enjoy. I'm not eloquent enough to point out what it exactly is, but his books have a specific type of voice, be it an adult or middle grade. I’ve only read two of his books though so I might be wrong.
The story follows Richard Mayhew, which after helping a girl, finds out no one can see or remember him. He is forced to go on an adventure in this dark, magical world of London Below to get back to the life he's lost.
It’s a euphemism of homelessness. Once you fall through the cracks, it seems like you no longer exist. The people you once knew no longer remember who you are. You have to keep fighting day by day to survive.
I loved how Richard is a reluctant hero/adventurer. It diverges from the common trope of the hero finding out he actually has hidden powers all along. Nope, Richard is just a regular guy with completely regular reactions to this new world. He doesn’t develop magical powers or discover superhuman strength. He’s just doing his best.
Anothing thing I enjoyed is the found family trope. Who doesn’t like reading about finding a sense of belonging in the most unlikely place?

jr2234's review

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5.0

Finally a 5-star read! So, so good. Gaiman writes in the introduction, “what I wanted to do was write a book that would do for adults what the books I had loved when younger, books like Alice in Wonderland, or the Narnia books, or the Wizard of Oz, did for me as a kid.” He’s accomplished this and then some. Super imaginative, nostalgic, detailed, hilarious. This is everything I wanted in a book. Reminded me of The Princess Bride or Labyrinth with David Bowie.

freeleo's review

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adventurous dark funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nyquillll's review

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Not in the right headspace to read this book - tried the audiobook too but can't get myself to focus. I'm in a "hehe haha" mood and need lighter books. I did like the world building and was interested in the plot - I will return to this book when I am in the mood!