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henrietta_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the best book I have read this year. Beautifully written.
peristome's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.5
It took me an inordinately long amount of time to finish this book. I almost DNF'd it several times, but I kept picking it up after spells of not reading it because I wanted to see what the type was about. I don't think this book is horrible; it's middle of the road for me, in fact. But it has a lot of problems that made me wish I just gave up in the end.
I had a hard time getting attached to the children, since they do not talk or behave like children at all. I did not think of the death threats were cute, I did not think the philosophizing they did was cute. It actually made me mad.Why is Arthur letting them speak to a government employee that way, considering he wants to keep them? I especially hate the "wise kid" trope. Sometimes kids do say the darndest things, but it's not everything they say, all the time and with great wisdom and ancient knowledge or whatever the fuck Lucy's excuse was.
I did really enjoy the relationship between Arthur and Linus, though. It was very sweet, and more importantly, well-paced. I also enjoyed the aspect of middle-aged men finding love together—it's rare in all forms of media, so I appreciate the representation. In fact, it was enough that I almost gave the book 3 stars, but the ending made me lower my rating to what it is now.The ending pretends that Linus had the choice to stay. Categorically, it was not a choice, it was the illusion of choice. Linus couldn't have actually stayed. He needed to go back if he wanted the children to stay in their home. When Linus quits his job and goes back, he doesn't explain this at all, he just apologizes for leaving and says he should have stayed. It pissed me off.
The book is not bad, but I also don't know if I would recommend it, especially because there is the controversy to consider. This book was, according to the author, inspired by the residential schools that Canada and the United States would put Native and First Nations children in. The children were often kidnapped or forcefully taken to these homes and treated terribly. Many died. I am not Native myself so I do not have much to offer in terms of opinion, but many people have come out against this book because of it, and it's a completely valid reason to protest the author or pass this book over. You wouldn't be missing much, either.
I had a hard time getting attached to the children, since they do not talk or behave like children at all. I did not think of the death threats were cute, I did not think the philosophizing they did was cute. It actually made me mad.
I did really enjoy the relationship between Arthur and Linus, though. It was very sweet, and more importantly, well-paced. I also enjoyed the aspect of middle-aged men finding love together—it's rare in all forms of media, so I appreciate the representation. In fact, it was enough that I almost gave the book 3 stars, but the ending made me lower my rating to what it is now.
The book is not bad, but I also don't know if I would recommend it, especially because there is the controversy to consider. This book was, according to the author, inspired by the residential schools that Canada and the United States would put Native and First Nations children in. The children were often kidnapped or forcefully taken to these homes and treated terribly. Many died. I am not Native myself so I do not have much to offer in terms of opinion, but many people have come out against this book because of it, and it's a completely valid reason to protest the author or pass this book over. You wouldn't be missing much, either.
lindsloo725's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
ladybouse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"We all have our issues. I have a spare tire around my middle. His father is Satan. Nothing that can’t be worked out if we try hard."
This book was amazing. It's well written and heartfelt. When someone says cozy fantasy, this is exactly what I want. Give this to me every single time! Reading this through hurricane Helene as a current North Carolinian, and the thoughts and emotions it has been evoking, this made me forget I was sad and scared. It was a true comfort to me. 🫂
Quotable Quotations 🗣📢
"We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy."
"Those of us who dream of impossible things know just how far we can go when pushed to do so enough."
"Sometimes volume is needed to get through thick skulls." 🤣
"What on earth are you wearing?
"It's what you're supposed to wear when you're going on an adventure. Looks ridiculous, doesn't it? But there might be cannibals and man-eating snakes and bugs that burrow their way under my skin and eat my eyes from the inside out. When faced with such things you have to dress the part."
"Why are you here?
He hesitated, but only briefly. "Because this is where I belong. And I never should have left to begin with. I only did so to make sure you would be safe. All of you. And now..."
She sighed as she set her spade down before turning to look at him.
She was crying.
Linus didn’t hesitate as he scooped her up in his arms.
She buried her face in his neck, beard tickling his throat. “I am going to bury you right here,” she sobbed. “I’m digging your grave, just so you know.”
“I know,” he said, rubbing a hand over her back. “I would expect nothing less.
"No one would ever be able to find you! And even if they did, it would be too late and you'd be only bones!"
"Perhaps we can hold off on that, for at least a little while, I have something important to say to all of you."
She sniffled. "Perhaps. But if I don't like what I hear, we come right back and you will climb inside the hole without arguing."
🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰
"Talia holding you to your end if the bargain, is she?
"I've got her down to three days a week now. I don't dare to try to go any lower. She has yet to fill the hole that's supposed to be my grave. It's a rather effective threat from one so small."
"You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all."
"He couldn't believe it was only Wednesday. And it was made worse when he realized it was actually Tuesday."
"Why can’t life work whatever way we want it to? What’s the point of living if you only do it how others want you to?"
"The world is a weird and wonderful place. Why must we try and explain it all away? For our personal satisfaction?"
This book was amazing. It's well written and heartfelt. When someone says cozy fantasy, this is exactly what I want. Give this to me every single time! Reading this through hurricane Helene as a current North Carolinian, and the thoughts and emotions it has been evoking, this made me forget I was sad and scared. It was a true comfort to me. 🫂
Quotable Quotations 🗣📢
"We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy."
"Those of us who dream of impossible things know just how far we can go when pushed to do so enough."
"Sometimes volume is needed to get through thick skulls." 🤣
"What on earth are you wearing?
"It's what you're supposed to wear when you're going on an adventure. Looks ridiculous, doesn't it? But there might be cannibals and man-eating snakes and bugs that burrow their way under my skin and eat my eyes from the inside out. When faced with such things you have to dress the part."
"Why are you here?
He hesitated, but only briefly. "Because this is where I belong. And I never should have left to begin with. I only did so to make sure you would be safe. All of you. And now..."
She sighed as she set her spade down before turning to look at him.
She was crying.
Linus didn’t hesitate as he scooped her up in his arms.
She buried her face in his neck, beard tickling his throat. “I am going to bury you right here,” she sobbed. “I’m digging your grave, just so you know.”
“I know,” he said, rubbing a hand over her back. “I would expect nothing less.
"No one would ever be able to find you! And even if they did, it would be too late and you'd be only bones!"
"Perhaps we can hold off on that, for at least a little while, I have something important to say to all of you."
She sniffled. "Perhaps. But if I don't like what I hear, we come right back and you will climb inside the hole without arguing."
🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰🥲🥰
"Talia holding you to your end if the bargain, is she?
"I've got her down to three days a week now. I don't dare to try to go any lower. She has yet to fill the hole that's supposed to be my grave. It's a rather effective threat from one so small."
"You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all."
"He couldn't believe it was only Wednesday. And it was made worse when he realized it was actually Tuesday."
"Why can’t life work whatever way we want it to? What’s the point of living if you only do it how others want you to?"
"The world is a weird and wonderful place. Why must we try and explain it all away? For our personal satisfaction?"
whiskeybucket's review against another edition
4.0
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is an extremely whimsical and gay tome.
It is lovely.
Unlike many readers, I am not a cowardly peasant. I am entirely more correct than the average human being.
However,
This book made me sob like a baby. Additionally, my crying was not short lived. Rather, I cried throughout the final 150 pages of this book.
Am I ashamed? No.
Two years ago, I cried seven times while watching the movie “Chef” on an airplane. The movie, a comedy, brought tears to my eyes for no good reason. After creating an ocean with my salty eye water, I felt abashed. For I, a mighty titan among men, had stooped so low as to cry over the movie “Chef”. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” did not have this same effect on me. Yes, I cried, though after shedding my tears I was left with feelings of warmth and joy.
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is absolutely enchanting, and anyone who disagrees is a spoiled egg.
It is lovely.
Unlike many readers, I am not a cowardly peasant. I am entirely more correct than the average human being.
However,
This book made me sob like a baby. Additionally, my crying was not short lived. Rather, I cried throughout the final 150 pages of this book.
Am I ashamed? No.
Two years ago, I cried seven times while watching the movie “Chef” on an airplane. The movie, a comedy, brought tears to my eyes for no good reason. After creating an ocean with my salty eye water, I felt abashed. For I, a mighty titan among men, had stooped so low as to cry over the movie “Chef”. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” did not have this same effect on me. Yes, I cried, though after shedding my tears I was left with feelings of warmth and joy.
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is absolutely enchanting, and anyone who disagrees is a spoiled egg.
claudiasalvv's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
marmalade_and_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A slow read for me, but so incredibly charming. Whoever said this book is like a warm hug was absolutely correct. It reminded me of all the joys that come with working with kids and drove home that they deserve to live and thrive, not merely survive.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, and Abandonment