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A review by jessalex610
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.75
One of the cutest books I’ve read this year!
(8/24/22 edit)
I demoted it down a bit (4.5 to 3.75) bc while i still think it’s a cute book that handles themes of chosen family, belonging, and understanding in a sweet and hopeful way, reading about how this story is apparently inspired by the Sixties Scoop ruined the magic a bit. The way this sweet sugary story is supposed to be inspired from an unbelievably traumatizing part of First Nations history just leaves a sour aftertaste for me. Especially after reflecting on how savior-y Linus’ good guy arc developed over the story and the little things he said here and there. TJ Klune should’ve just said this was a cute gay book centered around mystical creatures and acceptance and just left it at that :/ but i am ultimately glad i ended up reading it for myself b/c without knowing this context, it was just the sweetest most wholesome story and i would die for every single kid in this book.
And don’t let my criticism dissuade you from reading the book! Just be aware, do your own research, and keep this context in mind as you read through.
(8/24/22 edit)
I demoted it down a bit (4.5 to 3.75) bc while i still think it’s a cute book that handles themes of chosen family, belonging, and understanding in a sweet and hopeful way, reading about how this story is apparently inspired by the Sixties Scoop ruined the magic a bit. The way this sweet sugary story is supposed to be inspired from an unbelievably traumatizing part of First Nations history just leaves a sour aftertaste for me. Especially after reflecting on how savior-y Linus’ good guy arc developed over the story and the little things he said here and there. TJ Klune should’ve just said this was a cute gay book centered around mystical creatures and acceptance and just left it at that :/ but i am ultimately glad i ended up reading it for myself b/c without knowing this context, it was just the sweetest most wholesome story and i would die for every single kid in this book.
And don’t let my criticism dissuade you from reading the book! Just be aware, do your own research, and keep this context in mind as you read through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Confinement
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Religious bigotry