Reviews with content warning for Racism - The House in the Cerulean Sea

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

118 reviews

alba_marie's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Hate is loud only because it's a few desperate people shouting."

I honestly loved this book. It took me a long while to get to it... I was listening to another audiobook, and then there was the small matter of giving birth and taking home a small baby, not to mention hosting my family and what feels like half the county as visitors. So I kept hitting renew... until I realised I had just days left to finish the whole book. I managed it – only just! – and so glad I did.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is an uplifting fantasy story about the world's most dedicated worker (and most boring man) Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Dept. of Magical Youth, who is sent on a top secret mission to analyse operations at an orphanage on a secluded island. At first stolid and painstakingly professional, he slowly becomes attached to the children at the house, sent there due to their "dangerous" magical traits or parentage. It is endearing to witness his transformation from soulless government bureaucrat to loving guardian and custodian of the orphanage and the six unusual children who live there, run by the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus and the kind-hearted forest sprit Zoe.

Linus' characterisation is predictable but nonetheless endearing. The end – my least favourite part – is a bit cheesy and you'll see it coming. But it'll put a smile on your face and warm your soul. And that's what this book is. It deals with complex issues such as social work and the foster system, prejudice and hate, self love and acceptance for who one is, but at the end of the day, The House in the Cerulean Sea is essentially comfort mac and cheese in book format. 100% recommend.

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abookwormspov's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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

5.0

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neurospicyreader's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Heartwarming, vulnerable, and achingly human.
I absolutely adored this. Were there flaws? a few. But this book had me crying in the best way. It is a massive hug.

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giulianalb99's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Qué libro TAN bonito, 5 estrellas se le queda corto. Lo llevaré siempre en mi corazón. Este libro me ha hecho sentir tantas cosas bonitas e incluso me ha hecho llorar. Los personajes son increíbles y me ha encantado ver cómo evolucionan y lo mucho que se quieren todos e incluso hacen que te sientas como en casa. Arthur y Linus tienen mi corazón para siempre y los niños también. Me parece un libro súper importante por los temas que trata (como, por ejemplo, la segregación, la aceptación de uno mismo, los prejuicios, etc.) y por eso recomiendo a todo el mundo que lo lea.

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pastelmeganes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.75

This book was absolutely delightful. The characters had so much life and made my heart swell with all their different, quirky personalities. The children of the house for the most part had some sort of quality to them that made them stick out. My favorite character by far was definitely Talia. All the children in the house had growth in their own way whether it be in regards to their individualistic dreams/aspirations, cultural connection or self actualization. This book was so light hearted and i felt happy after reading it. There were moments where i actually laughed out loud which was a nice surprise since many books dont get that reaction from me.

overall, the story had an important message about not being a product of your birthright but of how you are nurtured and live the life you are given. That anybody has the capacity to do good as easy as they are to do evil. If i had to pick ONE critique, i felt that Phi’s story fell a little short but her connecting with Zoe about their culture was sweet and very healing for her. I would say she was the least memorable child for sure.

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