A review by ladybugwrites
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Neil Gaiman has a way with words that I envy. Not only does his writing flow, but his descriptions are just enough for my imagination to run wild. This book is a twisted fantasy that cover up a horror story underneath. I have never underlined as many things as I have in this book.The descriptions were constantly inflicting something in me. I will also say that reading this with Elise Hurst's illustrations created an even darker and eerie atmosphere that made the book come to life. They were vague and dark, but somehow exactly what I had imagined myself. It's like a nostalgic fairytale I don't actually want to re-experience, but I know it's what made me who I am. I don't think I've ever read anything that has the same grasp of what childhood entails as this book does. 

It's one of those books that I will never be able to describe to someone, but it will stay with me for a long time. It's definitely my favorite Gaiman book so far and I don't see how any of the others can top this one.