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

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“Of course, I’m me! What else could I be?”

I know I’m late to that party, and I had this book on my TBR for ages. Even days after finishing it, I don’t think I’ll find the right words to say what that book made to me. 

I was enthralled from the first page (well, minute –I listened to the audio). The writing is gorgeous –though simple– and very immersive, guiding us in a dull world, following depressed Linus in his daily life as a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. When his hierarchy sends him on a little remote island, in a very classified orphanage which shelters 6 very special children, his life –and how he sees the world– gradually changes. All his preconceptions are questioned, he finds love and an incredible chosen family.

This book was absolutely magnificent. This is a metaphor for so many visible and invisible differences, about how they can be seen by the average population (and the unpleasant consequences). I cried so many times between the lines, and –as an autistic person– I felt SEEN in so many different ways. This book is for everyone. Each of us –even the most privileged– has their own peculiarities that can be both a strength and a weakness. This story is a great way to accept and embrace that, to see the greatness in the challenging, no matter how old you are. And for the most “standard” of us, it is a great read too. Even when you believe you are an ally, you might need to feel the prejudices through the eyes of those who suffer them. This was (among other things) an ode to the differences, (neuro)diversity, childhood and wonder. 

Like Linus, I saw colours as I met all the Island’s inhabitants. The House in the Cerulean Sea has become one of my favourite books. “In order to change the minds of many, we have to first start with the minds of few.” Be one of these few. I want to be one of them.