Ocean at the End of the Lane - Chapters 9-Epilogue (End)

[Kristina]

Here is where we can discuss The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, chapters 9-Epilogue.
DO NOT post any spoilers from further along in the book, this is just for chapters 9-Epilogue. Discussing events from these chapters is perfectly fine.

[Michael]

I read this both for this group and another...the other seemed a bit critical of the book - I'm looking forward to what people here think.

Here is my review:

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.

[Kristina]

Here is my review:

As always, Neil Gaiman enchants!

I took this short story as an idea of the things that might happen in those moments of life that you forget about. Once in a while they come back to you and you may think, "Wow, I forgot that happened!" Well, this is a magical idea of what happens in those moments (and to those moments).

The story made me think of times long past when neighbors brought you in for lunch or lemonade, and when the most fun you could have was with your nose stuck in a book or running around with friends outside. There were also moments when it was wholly horrifying, but it was always magical.

On a side note, I think Hayao Miyazaki could fabulously adapt this to the screen. It had a definite Miyazaki feel to it!

[Kristina]

Allison wrote: "My favorite quote:
"Grown-ups don't look like grown-ups on the inside, either. Outside, they're big and thoughtless and they always know what they're doing. Inside, they look just like they always have. Like they did when they were your age. The truth is, there aren't any grown-ups. Not one, in the whole wide world." "

Agreed! Such a good quote!

[Hanne]

i finished this book yesterday and i loved it. both the story and the writing. it would be a bit silly to copy my entire review, but you can find it here

i'm surprised to hear of other groups who didn't like it. the ratings so far are quite good though, 50% gave it 5 stars, i would call that a win :)

[Katy]

I really liked the book. Great read. And I really thought the ending was perfect.

[Andreas]

I haven't read Mr. Gaiman before, so this was my premiere.

I see that he's got the language quite good - but not as good as for example John Crowley in Little, Big.
He delivers a faery tale from a kids point of view quite well - but not as good as as Mr Stephen King in It.
This is a novella, but it would have worked better as a short story. Not that it contained too long sections. But the idea was not good enough to carry for a novella.

Worst thing for me was that it felt like a horror story, which I don't like at all. Especially when I read the scene describing the drowning, I nearly lemmed it.

Personally, I'd rate it between 1 and 2 stars (because of the horror elements). But I see where the quality comes from which deserves 3+ stars.