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A review by allisenok
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.25
It took me a while to read, but it was worth it. The story is pretty straightforward. It has a message in it, which was a bit repetitive, like getting told to you very straight and a lot, but it’s a good message, so I don’t mind that.
The characters are unique, and the relationships are very well done. I loved the character development of Linus. I highlighted a lot of quotes from the story. I’d say it’s a thought-provoking read. I wouldn’t say it’s cosy, because of the topics raised, but it’s a slower-paced low-stakes story.
The only thing I didn’t really understand is that Linus was expected by everybody to just stay on the island after only a short time there. And everybody was telling him that from a position that he’s “stupid” that doesn’t understand it. And all his reasons were dismissed as not important. He is a grownup man with a serious job and a house in a city, he can’t just decide to stay somewhere after spending short time there without coming back even for a bit. Especially when there are important things he needed to fix. And overall, wouldn’t it be strange that a group of people who only spent a month with a stranger would trust him enough to demand to stay with them forever? So I just got a bit annoyed at that. I did want him to stay though, but I understand all the implications that it would bring in real life.
The characters are unique, and the relationships are very well done. I loved the character development of Linus. I highlighted a lot of quotes from the story. I’d say it’s a thought-provoking read. I wouldn’t say it’s cosy, because of the topics raised, but it’s a slower-paced low-stakes story.
Moderate: Child abuse