Scan barcode
A review by crispymerola
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
2.75
The softest, daintiest little three star rating
I wanted to love this but struggled, though there are some real highlights and the general shape of the story is exciting. As a former passive boi bf I was cackling at the Richard and Jessica subplot, and sequences like the Marquis flowing through the sewer system and the night market were so much fun.
But I'm ultimately left pretty underwhelmed by Richard as a protag, the everyman whitey unlikely hero trope stopped being cute in the mid 2000s, you gotta give this schlub a LITTLE skill or something (juggling?) or else everything he achieves in the story feels completely unearned.
I also found that the world of London Below, despite being a fun analogy for homelessness, was underexplored and vague. I wanted more rules, more understanding of the conflict which frames our story.
And yet, and yet, Neil is a fun guy. He's a cutie. His concise prose, like little berries dipped in gothic dark chocolate - I pop them into my mouth and go mmm
I wanted to love this but struggled, though there are some real highlights and the general shape of the story is exciting. As a former passive boi bf I was cackling at the Richard and Jessica subplot, and sequences like the Marquis flowing through the sewer system and the night market were so much fun.
But I'm ultimately left pretty underwhelmed by Richard as a protag, the everyman whitey unlikely hero trope stopped being cute in the mid 2000s, you gotta give this schlub a LITTLE skill or something (juggling?) or else everything he achieves in the story feels completely unearned.
I also found that the world of London Below, despite being a fun analogy for homelessness, was underexplored and vague. I wanted more rules, more understanding of the conflict which frames our story.
And yet, and yet, Neil is a fun guy. He's a cutie. His concise prose, like little berries dipped in gothic dark chocolate - I pop them into my mouth and go mmm