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A review by justmys
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
3.0
The story is sweet and soft and very much a "comfort read" sort of book. Centring on found family and soft queer romance, I'd recommend this if you need a gentle story. It's like a cosy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate. All soft edges and warmth.
I did find it lagged a bit towards the end, and I ended up having to put my audio book on double speed to get through, but I don't know if that's the book's fault or the narration.
Which brings me to my biggest gripe. I would have much rather have read this book, and if I were to recommend it, I'd recommend you read it yourself too. Because if you do choose to listen to it, then brace yourself for the narrator.
I found the narration of this book clumsy and cartoonish. And it glossed over many very tender moments between characters, missing nuances and ignoring the tone of scenes entirely. The only time they emoted was during moments where character's cried but even then it was a little ham fisted. Not to mention the ridiculous voices and choices of accents, which came across more as an audition reel than an attempt to convey the characters.
I could go on, simply because I'm really angry about how I consumed this lovely story, but I won't. So, in short, a beautiful book that I'd recommend (to read, not listen to. Sorry.).
I did find it lagged a bit towards the end, and I ended up having to put my audio book on double speed to get through, but I don't know if that's the book's fault or the narration.
Which brings me to my biggest gripe. I would have much rather have read this book, and if I were to recommend it, I'd recommend you read it yourself too. Because if you do choose to listen to it, then brace yourself for the narrator.
I found the narration of this book clumsy and cartoonish. And it glossed over many very tender moments between characters, missing nuances and ignoring the tone of scenes entirely. The only time they emoted was during moments where character's cried but even then it was a little ham fisted. Not to mention the ridiculous voices and choices of accents, which came across more as an audition reel than an attempt to convey the characters.
I could go on, simply because I'm really angry about how I consumed this lovely story, but I won't. So, in short, a beautiful book that I'd recommend (to read, not listen to. Sorry.).
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Child abuse
There are brief mentions of child abuse in this book. Emotional and physical, and the effects this has on the characters. But they are fleeting and give light to the situation of the characters.
There is an underlying theme of racism, too, which is part of the world building and is, I think, handled well and discussed maturely and with thought.