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A review by sundragonscrolls
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tropes
*coming-of-age
*found family
*hero’s journey
*hidden world
*mentor figure
Triggers
*murder / violence
*death
Language: No
Spice: 0 out of 5
Overall Rating: 8/10 or 4/5 stars
plot: 1
pacing: .5
themes: 1
setting: 1
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: 0
ending: 1
overall enjoyment: .5
The story begins with the murder of a family by a mysterious man named Jack. The youngest child, a baby boy, escapes to a nearby graveyard where the ghosts decide to protect him. They name him Nobody "Bod" Owens and raise him within the safety of the graveyard. As Bod grows up, he learns about the graveyard's many inhabitants, develops friendships with ghosts, and explores the boundaries between life and death. Along the way, he faces dangers both within and outside the graveyard, particularly the looming threat of Jack, who is still searching for him.
The plot is episodic in nature, following Bod as he grows up in the graveyard, learns new skills from its ghostly inhabitants, and faces both supernatural and real-world dangers. Each chapter functions almost as a standalone short story, but together they form a cohesive narrative of Bod’s journey from childhood to adolescence. The overarching plot centers around Bod’s quest to understand his past, evade Jack, and ultimately choose between staying in the graveyard or facing the world of the living.
The pacing is moderate, with alternating moments of action, introspection, and quiet world-building. Each chapter presents a new adventure or lesson for Bod, but there is a gradual buildup to the final confrontation with Jack, which brings the story to an exciting climax.
Neil Gaiman’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, with a blend of whimsical and dark tones. His prose is accessible for younger readers but layered with deeper meaning and complexity for adult readers. The writing balances humor with darker themes, and the dialogue is sharp and often poignant.
The ending provides a sense of closure to Bod’s journey, as he faces his destiny and makes a decision about where he truly belongs. The final chapters are both bittersweet and hopeful, encapsulating the central themes of life, death, and growing up. It’s a fitting conclusion to Bod’s coming-of-age story.
The Graveyard Book is a beautifully crafted tale that combines fantasy, horror, and coming-of-age elements into a compelling narrative. With its unique setting, memorable characters, and thoughtful exploration of life and death, it appeals to readers of all ages. It’s both a haunting and heartwarming story that stands out for its originality and emotional depth.
*coming-of-age
*found family
*hero’s journey
*hidden world
*mentor figure
Triggers
*murder / violence
*death
Language: No
Spice: 0 out of 5
Overall Rating: 8/10 or 4/5 stars
plot: 1
pacing: .5
themes: 1
setting: 1
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: 0
ending: 1
overall enjoyment: .5
The story begins with the murder of a family by a mysterious man named Jack. The youngest child, a baby boy, escapes to a nearby graveyard where the ghosts decide to protect him. They name him Nobody "Bod" Owens and raise him within the safety of the graveyard. As Bod grows up, he learns about the graveyard's many inhabitants, develops friendships with ghosts, and explores the boundaries between life and death. Along the way, he faces dangers both within and outside the graveyard, particularly the looming threat of Jack, who is still searching for him.
The plot is episodic in nature, following Bod as he grows up in the graveyard, learns new skills from its ghostly inhabitants, and faces both supernatural and real-world dangers. Each chapter functions almost as a standalone short story, but together they form a cohesive narrative of Bod’s journey from childhood to adolescence. The overarching plot centers around Bod’s quest to understand his past, evade Jack, and ultimately choose between staying in the graveyard or facing the world of the living.
The pacing is moderate, with alternating moments of action, introspection, and quiet world-building. Each chapter presents a new adventure or lesson for Bod, but there is a gradual buildup to the final confrontation with Jack, which brings the story to an exciting climax.
Neil Gaiman’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, with a blend of whimsical and dark tones. His prose is accessible for younger readers but layered with deeper meaning and complexity for adult readers. The writing balances humor with darker themes, and the dialogue is sharp and often poignant.
The ending provides a sense of closure to Bod’s journey, as he faces his destiny and makes a decision about where he truly belongs. The final chapters are both bittersweet and hopeful, encapsulating the central themes of life, death, and growing up. It’s a fitting conclusion to Bod’s coming-of-age story.
The Graveyard Book is a beautifully crafted tale that combines fantasy, horror, and coming-of-age elements into a compelling narrative. With its unique setting, memorable characters, and thoughtful exploration of life and death, it appeals to readers of all ages. It’s both a haunting and heartwarming story that stands out for its originality and emotional depth.