Book time again! I have to say these reviews are fast becoming my favourite to write. But that may just be because I love reading so much. This months’ book was ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ by Neil Gaiman. I picked up this book way back in my Liverpool Haul so I was glad to finally squeeze it into my reading list!
This book follows our narrator (we’re not
given his name, something I find quite annoying) as he journeys back to his
childhood home and relives some rather peculiar memories, involving death, an
ancient girl, a housekeeper from another world and an ocean at the bottom of a
garden. As the narrator sifts through his memories he begins to realise that
back then, things may not have been as he remembered. And just when he thought
all was lost, it was actually saved.
Vague as always but again, I don't want to spoil anything. As intriguing as it all sounds, I just didn’t really like this book. I didn’t hate it by any means; but I wasn’t constantly itching to pick it up and find out what happens. I could easily put it down for weeks at a time, which is something that never happens with me. Parts of the dark fantasy theme, although well written, kind of freaked me out a bit! I didn’t necessarily enjoy reading them to be honest. As far as characters go, although they were all likeable, I didn’t get attached to any of them. I wasn’t really rooting for anything to happen and only finished it to see if it improved.. which (to me) it didn’t.
In saying all this my older sister Carla
absolutely adored it and read it in about 4 hours, she literally couldn’t put
it down. I’m not sure if I expected more from Gaiman, after loving his Doctor
Who episodes and ‘Stardust’ or if the book just wasn’t my thing. I may have to
read ‘Coraline’ by him to make my mind up completely.
I can appreciate why people do like this
book as it is well written but unfortunately it just wasn’t my cup of tea. This
means that unfortunately I’m only giving it a 2/5! Have you read this book? Or anything else by Neil Gaiman? xo
So interesting. I have been eyeing off this book for a while now and its nice to see someone (whose opinion I always agree with!) give it an honest appraisal.
ReplyDeleteHowever now I am still torn as to whether to pick it up or spend my reading hours with something else.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Kelsey x
Aw that's so lovely it's nice to know you have the same opinion as me! Although I do believe everyone should make up their own mind when it comes to books - they're so personal! My sister and I have quite similar tastes and she loved it!
DeleteIf you get it be sure to let me know what you think :) xxx
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