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A review by cinnamonmarti
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
Huh. This is the first time Gaiman genuinely disappoints me as an author. To put it bluntly, reading this book felt like unwrapping a pretty package that turned out to be sadly empty.
I find magical realism very compelling when executed well, but this gave me almost nothing in terms of worldbuilding, character depth, even plot resolution. I don't know, it's almost like it lacked flavour. Ironically, his middle grade books like Coraline and The Graveyard Book are the ones I'd describe as being much more enjoyable to adults too.
I'll say he should still get a modicum of praise for some great passages and for writing light horror scenes in a masterful way -- the worm... oh my gosh! -- but that's not nearly enough for me to give this three stars.
It'll be interesting to discuss this with my book club and see if someone else can shed some light on the positives I missed!
I find magical realism very compelling when executed well, but this gave me almost nothing in terms of worldbuilding, character depth, even plot resolution. I don't know, it's almost like it lacked flavour. Ironically, his middle grade books like Coraline and The Graveyard Book are the ones I'd describe as being much more enjoyable to adults too.
I'll say he should still get a modicum of praise for some great passages and for writing light horror scenes in a masterful way -- the worm... oh my gosh! -- but that's not nearly enough for me to give this three stars.
It'll be interesting to discuss this with my book club and see if someone else can shed some light on the positives I missed!