A review by maxsebastian
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ok wow, Neil Gaiman, you've done it again. The Ocean at the End of the Lane reads as part childhood memoir part fae story. Gaiman, as in many of his other stories, develops an impeccable world, writes beautifully, and reveals what it's like to be a child oh so well. While I've sometimes struggled with Gaiman's characters, I found our protagonist (who does interestingly enough go unnamed throughout the novel) alongside the supporting cast to be absolutely phenomenal. The lead feels like someone you or one of your siblings might have been when they were young.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is not for everyone. There's some icky body horror alongside some terrifying instances of family abuse. While Gaiman is clear that this book is a work of fiction, I couldn't help but wonder what of this story has roots in his own childhood, a thought that was both delightful and chilling. Perhaps partly because I was staying up reading this story, I don't think I caught all the key moments here, which will make this book a most excellent reread.
As a final note, Gaiman ends his acknowledgments with a sign off from the Isle of Skye. This man is writing from some awesome places.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is not for everyone. There's some icky body horror alongside some terrifying instances of family abuse. While Gaiman is clear that this book is a work of fiction, I couldn't help but wonder what of this story has roots in his own childhood, a thought that was both delightful and chilling. Perhaps partly because I was staying up reading this story, I don't think I caught all the key moments here, which will make this book a most excellent reread.
As a final note, Gaiman ends his acknowledgments with a sign off from the Isle of Skye. This man is writing from some awesome places.