The Ocean at the End of the Lane in 2015 Reading Challenge [Closed]

Dec 10, 2012 Michael rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Let me start out by giving some perspective. First I think Neil Gaiman is an exceptional writer and very talented. I've heard his motivational talks (such as, "Make Good Art"), and he is witty and inspirational.

I'm not however, a huge reader of his work. I read Neverwhere and really liked it. Startdust I felt was "okay." My biggest problem with that one was that I felt the romance was not based on anything other than the standard, "two people spend some time traveling together and fall in love." Let me start out by giving some perspective. First I think Neil Gaiman is an exceptional writer and very talented. I've heard his motivational talks (such as, "Make Good Art"), and he is witty and inspirational.

I'm not however, a huge reader of his work. I read Neverwhere and really liked it. Startdust I felt was "okay." My biggest problem with that one was that I felt the romance was not based on anything other than the standard, "two people spend some time traveling together and fall in love." Good Omens, on the other hand, was brilliant. One of the few books that I've literately laughed out loud at. A very entertaining read that I recommend often to others. I've not tried any of his YA titles such as Coraline (neither in book or movie form) or the Graveyard book. I read his 12 short stories (one per month) that he did as part of a social media promotion, all very good and again an indication of his immense talent. I tried to read American Gods, and just couldn't connect with it. I do want to revisit it sometime with a different mindset.

I found this book charming. I loved the nostalgic tone and the comparisons between how children see/do things in contrast with adults. I also got a real "Wrinkle in Time" vibe from the Hempstock women. Another truly enchanting book which was a huge influence on sparking a lifelong love of the fantastical.

I "listened" rather than "read" the book, because Neil Gaiman performing Neil Gaiman makes the experience all the better. I say perform because there is a huge difference between narrating words on the page and providing the added inflections and pauses that makes the book even more magical. I couldn't recommend this format for the book any higher. It takes the whole experience up to the next level by several notches.

I also read this as part of one of my goodreads groups. One thing I was surprised by, as part of a group read, is that most people didn't share my same enchantment for this book. Most seemed disappointed, but I also think most are more avid Gaiman readers than I am. Apparently in comparison to his other works, this didn't stand out and there were some comments of (more of the same). This is one of the reasons why I mentioned my reading history with Gaiman as it would appear that your prior reading experience with him may be a factor.

The only one negative I would say about this book, is in regard to how it is being positioned. I heard Neil read an excerpt of this as part of "The Fall for the Book" festival and he said, "It's a book with a child protagonist, but definitely isn't a YA book." That intrigued me so I was really looking forward to see what that meant exactly. As it turned out, it really was (at least in my eyes) a YA book - and there is nothing wrong with that - I LOVE YA titles...with the exception of one scene that seemed to be added merely to elevate it to adult category.

That small point aside, I say by all means read (or even better listen) to this book. It's a relatively short read, and engrossing, magical, charming, and endearing are all terms that come to mind. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. ...more

76 likes · Like · see review

Jul 09, 2020 Lucinda rated it really liked it

I started this book, then put it down about 1/4 read. Picked it up again yesterday and finished it all off. A wonderful story from the genius mind of Neil Gaiman.

4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Jessica rated it really liked it

Shelves: almost-read, fantasy, young-adult

It is a pleasure to see a writer improve his craft over the course of his career. My first Neil Gaiman novel was Neverwhere, and I did not find myself impressed. I wasn't truly struck by his writing until I picked up The Graveyard Book, and then American Gods shortly thereafter. The Ocean at the End of the Lane continues the trend.

To my mind, Gaiman writes modern fairy tales. His stories may be fantastical, but they work because of their firm rooting in reality. This book is more easily accessib ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 28, 2013 KWinks rated it it was amazing

This is not a story, it is a piece of magic trapped between two covers. Perfect score. I am stuck on many things from this story. The Hempstocks are amazing, and I would love to read more about them. But there is this reoccurring idea that we are not who we see in the mirror. That there is that image of ourselves, but that there is also who we really are on the inside.

I love this bit about grown ups:
"Grown-ups don't look like grown-ups on the inside either. Outside, they're big and thoughtless ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 02, 2013 Beth Caruso rated it liked it

The book is very well written. It just isn't my genre. I wanted to try a mystical / fantastical book and this one was so highly acclaimed - that I gave it a shot. The other thing that was lost on me was that this was a 47 year old man who looked back on an event in his childhood. I didn't think the event was tied into anything that happened from then until his present. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2013 Kayleigh rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, 2014

This was May's book club read, chosen by me and I couldn't wait to get stuck into it. I have heard a lot about Gaiman's books from friends who are fans but I had never got around to reading one. This book came out in paperback just at the start of May, coinciding nicely with the book club.

The book is about a man who returns to the village where he grew up and relives old memories triggered by his return. The book takes us back to when he was 7 years old and a man who had been lodging with them c ...more

Like · see review

Jul 01, 2013 Kris Stuart rated it liked it

I'm not really sure how I feel about this one. The writing was impeccable but that is to be expected from Neil Gaiman. There were some intriguing metaphysical concepts that were discussed and - for a YA type novel - explored just enough. I was sucked in with the mysterious appearance of the coins and manifestation through dreams.

My issue with the book is that it didn't seem as cohesive as I wanted it to be. A lot of things happened but the thread that held it all together was pretty thin. I wou ...more

Like · see review

Jan 02, 2014 Melyssa rated it really liked it

Neil Gaiman's imagination is so lovely and weird. I love it. The Graveyard Book is my favorite of his work and this one was nearly as good. It is short, but I imagine when i reread it, I will still find things I missed the first time. I'd love more about the Hemstock women. ...more

Like · see review

Jun 09, 2013 Sabrina Poole rated it liked it

Weird. Just an odd book with little reason as to why but I suppose that was a central theme in the book. Not having all the answers isn't necessary to live life. Despite being a short book it was hard to keep my interest. I much prefer his children's books like "The Graveyard Book". ...more

Like · see review

Apr 23, 2013 Chelsea rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

The atmosphere Gaiman created had a great impact on me. I loved the Hempstock farm and the intensely British feel. He also was able to portray childhood feelings beautifully. This one could have worked for a YA title as well, though it is adult fiction.

Like · see review

Dec 19, 2013 Tanya rated it liked it

Shelves: 2013, format-audiobook

The world created by Gaiman was fascinating, and this was a quick audio book. Listening to it at 1.75x normal rate added to the feeling if suspense at what might come next in the adventure.

Like · see review

Oct 25, 2024 Tracey rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, charity-shop-find, fantasy, hardback

An intriguing read by Neil Gaiman.

I liked the fantasy side of the story, a little quirky. It kind of reminded me of the stories that I read the teenager on the fantasy front which was nostalgic.

Like · see review