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A review by rainbowofcrazy
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If Neil Gaiman is narrating it, you gotta listen to it!
I really enjoyed this story. The imagery and the writing is a joy. Knowing afterwards that the protagonist was essentially Neil when he was a child made it that much more special. But I loved how everything was seen through his eyes. The touches of darkness got extra points for being extra unsettling (the boy getting punished by his dad, and practically all of the scenes with Ursula) but it was balanced nicely with the more wholesome moments with the Hemstocks. I *adored* Lettie and her no nonsense attitude, and all the small moments. The kitties. The joy he found with food.
I listened to the audiobook, and I'll get a hold of the ebook next time. I loved the narration, but I'm sure I've missed extra details here and there and I'd love a revisit.
I really enjoyed this story. The imagery and the writing is a joy. Knowing afterwards that the protagonist was essentially Neil when he was a child made it that much more special. But I loved how everything was seen through his eyes. The touches of darkness got extra points for being extra unsettling (the boy getting punished by his dad, and practically all of the scenes with Ursula) but it was balanced nicely with the more wholesome moments with the Hemstocks. I *adored* Lettie and her no nonsense attitude, and all the small moments. The kitties. The joy he found with food.
I listened to the audiobook, and I'll get a hold of the ebook next time. I loved the narration, but I'm sure I've missed extra details here and there and I'd love a revisit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse