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A review by mattyvreads
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I love a magical, mythical story for adults. Gaiman has done it again.
The story is equal parts horror and mystery and fairytale, while deeply rooted in a grounded reality. This book was strangely moving in parts. I soaked up every word. Enthralling and rich, with beautiful prose. I was absolutely captivated.
One of the most successful parts of the book is how the author uses memory: repression, revelation, unreliability, omission. We read about the narrator’s story in great detail, but never know his name. It’s not important. In the prologue, the narrator is leaving a funeral. He knows whose funeral it is, but we don’t have it. It’s not important for us to know.
The story is thought provoking and wonderful. Time will tell if it will become as big of a classic as “Coraline.” I do hope it does.
The story is equal parts horror and mystery and fairytale, while deeply rooted in a grounded reality. This book was strangely moving in parts. I soaked up every word. Enthralling and rich, with beautiful prose. I was absolutely captivated.
One of the most successful parts of the book is how the author uses memory: repression, revelation, unreliability, omission. We read about the narrator’s story in great detail, but never know his name. It’s not important. In the prologue, the narrator is leaving a funeral. He knows whose funeral it is, but we don’t have it. It’s not important for us to know.
The story is thought provoking and wonderful. Time will tell if it will become as big of a classic as “Coraline.” I do hope it does.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual content and Infidelity
Minor: Animal death