You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

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.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings