Scan barcode
A review by cassthebookseller
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
3.0
I’m confused about how to feel about this one.
Once again, Gaiman’s incredible use of language is so breathtakingly beautiful. I hung off of every word, so much that it felt like I was dreaming for most of it. I’m constantly impressed with the way he strings voices, senses and ideas together with very little effort. It was much darker than I anticipated and incredibly interesting (though very heavy for me emotionally so it took me longer than it probably should have to get through it) and I would say creatively, it’s one of the best novels I’ve experienced from him. I felt everything, it touched a part of my soul.
But I needed so much more.
While technically the story read achingly smooth, I wanted the ideas to be more thoroughly explored. I felt robbed of the opportunity to learn more about our MC’s adulthood, or, quite frankly, more about the mysterious Lettie and her family. The monsters, the magic, the whimsical storytelling were amazing, but I wanted more than just a pretty porcelain surface. There was so much that could have revealed itself, where instead I’m left with a hole in my chest and no more novel to fill it.
I have an inkling that was the feeling Gaiman intended. And if it was, this is far more deserving than what I’m giving it. But for something so emotionally and mentally charged, I expected more than 175 pages. Maybe I’m in the minority.
Will likely recommend, but only to those that already adore his work. Not one I’d say for a first time flyer with Neil.
Once again, Gaiman’s incredible use of language is so breathtakingly beautiful. I hung off of every word, so much that it felt like I was dreaming for most of it. I’m constantly impressed with the way he strings voices, senses and ideas together with very little effort. It was much darker than I anticipated and incredibly interesting (though very heavy for me emotionally so it took me longer than it probably should have to get through it) and I would say creatively, it’s one of the best novels I’ve experienced from him. I felt everything, it touched a part of my soul.
But I needed so much more.
While technically the story read achingly smooth, I wanted the ideas to be more thoroughly explored. I felt robbed of the opportunity to learn more about our MC’s adulthood, or, quite frankly, more about the mysterious Lettie and her family. The monsters, the magic, the whimsical storytelling were amazing, but I wanted more than just a pretty porcelain surface. There was so much that could have revealed itself, where instead I’m left with a hole in my chest and no more novel to fill it.
I have an inkling that was the feeling Gaiman intended. And if it was, this is far more deserving than what I’m giving it. But for something so emotionally and mentally charged, I expected more than 175 pages. Maybe I’m in the minority.
Will likely recommend, but only to those that already adore his work. Not one I’d say for a first time flyer with Neil.