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

5.0

I just completely DEVOURED this book in a day. I love Neil Gaiman! Almost from the moment I picked up this book I just knew I would fall in love with it. I don't even know where to begin!

My edition is also illustrated by Elise Hurst and it was just completely magical. It is a short, easy read, but something about Gaiman's books always feel to me like an old friend. There's something so comforting about them. This one, even more than his other novels I've read, transported me back to the feeling of being a child and being completely captivated by a fantasy novel. It made me feel inspired, I couldn't put it down. It's been a while since I've been so completely captivated by a book in this way.

The characters in this novel were familiar and the whole book had a really homely feeling about it. I felt like it was reminiscent of The Spiderwick Chronicles or Enid Blighton's fantasy novels. Perhaps, even the His Dark Materials trilogy. It tugged on all my heart strings. I love that his novels feel like children's fantasy for adults (if that makes any sense).

I loved the physical layout of this books and all his illustrated novels. It makes them feel even more magical. There's something nice about deliberately arranging words and drawings on a page together.

It was a great mix of everything fantasy and everything weird. Every time I read another of Gaiman's novels, I love it even more than the last one (which I never even believe possible).

Really loved this one! Can't recommend enough for an easy, cosy, nostalgic read!