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

adventurous funny 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

4.0

This book was gifted to me by one of my cousins after I was outed to a family that was less than accepting. I only just now read it, years after it was given, and my only regret is I wish I'd read it sooner. This book was very comforting and a great escape from the real world.

I've seen other reviews say the book "lacks depth" or that is overarching theme is "shallow" or "stereotypical". And to all of those reviews I say, "Okay, and?" Not every book is meant to be in depth analysis of all the intricacies of the lgbtq+ community or all the atrocities that have been committed throughout history. Yes, this book doesn't give us a lot of backstory on the children and where they come from. And the gay romance is minimal and
they don't kiss till the end of the book. The stereotypical "oh I can't go against the rules and fall for someone".
WHO CARES?! This book would have been perfect for 21 year old me who was scared and had just been outed to their whole extended family. A comforting, easy read, about found family and learning there's nothing wrong with you just as you are, would have given me the comfort I NEEDEDA during that dark time. 

Just like children need to learn the ABC's before they can write sentences, books with lgbtq+ representation that have simple overarching themes are necessary. They are great reads for those who are just learning about or kearning to accept gay people. This is the type of book I would feel good recommending to a family member that is just started to see their homophobic ways as wrong. It's a soft and sweet story about acceptance as the main plot and the gay love story as the subplot. 

I love this book for it's simplicity in themes but also it's beautiful and charming characters. Talia is funny, Lucy endearing, Chauncey ever so hopeful, and all the other children that are unique in their own personalities and struggles. It was a beautiful story and I'm excited to return to Marsyas Island when I read the sequel that was published in 2024.

I hope others enjoy this book and let themselves fall into the beautiful and warm House in the Cerulean Sea.
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