A review by decklededgess
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

trigger warnings: emotional abuse, confinement, physical abuse mention

This was super whimsical and the messaging was really heartfelt. The book makes a really interesting point about systems that aid to help but are inherently causing harm to communities they aim to "protect". This book was famously embroiled in twitter scandal when the author mentioned in an interview that the story was inspired by the kidnapping and forced assimilation of indigenous children. The book isn't as insidious as twitter made it out to be, in fact the book focus on critiquing the institutions that hurt indigenous communities. It is still very much a white saviour take of "one individual who approaches things with an open mind can change the world" which we all know doesn't fucking work.

Overall a pretty solid if idealistic book especially considering the source inspiration is darker.
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