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

hopeful fast-paced

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

3.0

I know I'm in the minority here, but for me, the metaphors in this book feel heavy-handed and the morality over-simplified. It is a nice bit of escapism to read about a world in which a corporate cog can magically be whisked away to a beautiful island where his found family and true love are ready and waiting to heal him, and where

he can learn to take down and rebuild the entire messed-up system with a singular act of bravery.

But I don't necessarily find this kind of story inspiring--where does this leave those of us who live in the real world? I have the same issue with the metaphors and world-building of writers like Terry Pratchett. So I know it's a me-issue. Glad I gave it a try for a book club, but not something I'll revisit.