I'm really glad that I gave this book another try. When I first read this on my iPad about a year ago, I couldn't wait to put it down. It was so borinI'm really glad that I gave this book another try. When I first read this on my iPad about a year ago, I couldn't wait to put it down. It was so boring and confusing that I ended up choosing another book right away. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my reading preference then, so maybe it was just a bad timing.
I posted a status saying that this book will be Gaiman's last chance for me. I've read 2 novels and 1 graphic novel of his that I didn't enjoy, so I said this Commemorative Edition might finally be the one to impress me, and I was not disappointed with my decision.
When Nobody Owens was an infant, he was left in the graveyard to be raised and protected by ghosts. He was prohibited to leave the graveyard because the guardians feared for his safety. He had no knowledge of the outside world, none aside from the ones told by the ghosts. He was living a happy life in there, and we see him develop from a boy to a young man. A lot of strange things happened in his life. Adventure filled and full of life lessons, for the kids at least.
After reading this the first thing that came to my mind would be that this is a coming-of-age novel. Gaiman wrote about an boy's life from infancy to teenage hood. From kid mistakes to possibly falling in love. I didn't even think that I would ever relate to Bod, but unfortunately I liked the kid. I really liked his life adventures even though they sounded so unbelievable. Quite unlikely to happen to anyone, but this is a novel for a reason.
4/5 stars. I'm still not entirely impressed with Gaiman, because this is the only novel of his that I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading Neverwhere and Good Omens, but I'm not really expecting much. For die-hard Gaiman fans, this is the novel for you, and for newbies, this is also for you. What a remarkable novel. It was an easy short read and the artwork was fantastic. I really liked all of the sketches. Go ahead and give this one a try....more
Took me exactly a month to read this. Will write a review, most probably. Still can't get over how amazing this novel is. Might need a few hours/days Took me exactly a month to read this. Will write a review, most probably. Still can't get over how amazing this novel is. Might need a few hours/days to fully process the experience....more
I read Stardust by Neil Gaiman about a week ago, and I didn't really like it. I bought Stardust, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the same time I read Stardust by Neil Gaiman about a week ago, and I didn't really like it. I bought Stardust, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the same time when I went to the bookstore. What made me buy two books of the same author without ever reading something of the author? The high acclaim of most people regarding Gaiman.
While Stardust was one hell of a mediocre novel for me , The Ocean at the End of the Lane was a huge improvement. The main character was very interesting. I liked reading about him growing up, and experiencing things that normal kids don't. Ursula and the parents were also very interesting. All of them were very well developed, and they did what they were supposed to do. Lettie and her grandmother were both pretty powerful characters too, and the mystery of Ursula, and Lettie both were fascinating. I wouldn't consider any aspect of the novel as horror though.
If one were to ask me what I hated about this novel, I'll be honest and say that I'll have no answer in return. I didn't hate anything, but on the other hand, I also didn't love anything. Clearly I liked this more than Stardust, but I'm still not seeing what all the fuss is about, regarding Gaiman. I do have around 3 more novels of his on my bookshelf, and also his graphic novel Sandman. There are more works of his that could still make me realize how amazing of an author he is. ...more
One of the best novels I've read, and not just of the Historical Fiction genre. This has to be the very first novel to really make me feel like I was One of the best novels I've read, and not just of the Historical Fiction genre. This has to be the very first novel to really make me feel like I was living the life of the main character. I don't think I'll ever be able to get over how amazing this novel is. I'm going to have to reread this one day, because I really need to experience this whole novel one more time. I'll have to read the sequels first though.
Everything about this novel is superb. The characters, setting, plot, deliverance, and all other characteristics a great novel should have. I can't fully express how "perfect" this novel is for me. Note "for me" cause some people hated this, apparently.
Daniel has to one of my favorite characters of all time, alongside Julian. His story was just really enjoyable. It's not completely realistic, but in a way it can be. Every step in his life was filled with interesting events. This novel felt like it should be considered as Coming of Age because we followed Daniel's journey growing up. In a way I'm wishing that my life could've been similar to Daniel's. Simple in a general sense, but filled with weird and terrific events that should be considered enjoyable.
Spain has always been one of my favorites ever since I was a child. I haven't been there, but I'm really planning on going real soon. My love for Spain surely contributed to my love toward this novel. Just imagining the beautiful setting, and how it was written made me feel like I lived in the novel for quite some time. Honestly I didn't want the novel to end, because nearing the end, things were still really interesting. I have to read the sequels soon.
I really have to comment on the greatness of the last few chapters. They were filled with violence and major plot twists. I didn't know the novel was going to be this dark, and I'm really thankful it turned out like that. Despite the magical journey it offered, for me it needed the violence that it portrayed near the end. It just goes to show that this novel has more to offer than story telling. The manuscript chapters were really astounding. At first I thought they would just be a drag to read, but boy I was completely mistaken. Those few chapters also offered a lot of plot twists, and answered most of my questions.
I can't further express my feelings toward this novel without spoiling. All I can say is you have to read to believe. This is one of those "you must read this before you die" novels. I'm not exaggerating, this is really magnificent. People were not lying when they said that "This has to be one of the best novels in this century". All I can add is, this will continue to be one of the best in the centuries to come. Don't deprive yourself of this impeccable masterpiece. I will proudly recommend this to anyone. ...more