The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman - June 2021 (previously read July 2013)

[Sofia (Bookish Wanderess), Founder]

This disscussion is about one of the books of the month: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

[Brooke]

I loved this book! I am a huge Neil Gaiman fan so when this book came out I immediately bought it and put all my other books aside.

[Michael]

I loved this book. But Mr Gaiman is one of my favorite writer.
Here is my review from earlier.

Having reading Mr. Gaiman work for most of my adult life, I have come to love the stories he has told in their many varied versions. I have come to use those stories as worlds that I can hide in when a break is needed, to regroup in order to find myself. And it has become easy in my case to jump to conclusion. I was one chapter of "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" and thought "oh he going back to the characters of his "Kindly ones story"". And my assumptions was completely wrong.

I found the story compelling loving the way the author put himself in that story but it was scary enough to shape my dreams for several nights.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I have never read a Gaiman book before, but I am really looking forward to this one. I have it on hold at the library, so I don't know when I'll get to it. There is a fairly long hold list. Hopefully, I'll be able to read it before the end of the month.

[CatWrangler]

Michael wrote: "I loved this book. But Mr Gaiman is one of my favorite writer.
Here is my review from earlier.

Having reading Mr. Gaiman work for most of my adult life, I have come to love the stories he has to..."

you've just helped me decide. I want to read something scary enough to shape my dreams.

I'll get it and start as soon as I finish Seed.

[Deb]

I'm so happy this was selected for July. I went to one of his last book signings recently. Neil Gaiman is the most amazing person.

[Deborah]

This book read even more like an "adult fairy tale" than "Stardust". It is my favorite Gaiman novel yet. Well, it matches "American Gods" and "Anansi Boys". I loved the interpretation of Artemis/Semele/Hecate. I also love that Gaiman made fun of storytelling in general by his narrator claiming not to be a hero because he doesn't change.

[Sarah]

I absolutely loved this book, although I still can't quite understand why it's labeled as "adult" fiction, but that's probably just me! It was an amazing read, albeit too short (I want more, more I tell you!) and it can definitely be recommended.

*lovingly pats her signed first edition* My... precioussss...

[Gail]

I'm going to read this book after I finish a book I started yesterday!

[Nerski]

I'm so excited to start this, I've only recently gotten into his books but I'm loving them so far ^_^

[Amy]

I am nearly finished the book, I wish I could say that it shapes my dreams....but everyday that I have not been able to read further has made me long to be home so I can get back to the ocean at the end of the lane!

Plus I have just realised that I started reading this as the botm for August, in anothergood reads group :)

FINISHED!!! Now what do I read? :-(

[Amy]

Just started reading this....hooked so far!

[Sarah]

This book just arrived from the book depo yesterday. Have a long 15 hr drive to the outback this weekend - I know what I shall be doing in that time :))

[Michael]

Amy wrote: "I am nearly finished the book, I wish I could say that it shapes my dreams....but everyday that I have not been able to read further has made me long to be home so I can get back to the ocean at th..."
Have you read his other books?
American Gods
The Graveyard Book
Anansi Boys. I love all of them.

[Caitlin]

Absolutely loved this - I got a copy after he gave a talk in Cambridge would definitely recommend it. I had previously been weary of this other novels after I didn't really enjoy Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch but I'm definitely up for trying another one now. Great read.

[Gail]

I just finished Damaged and Damaged book 2. Any recommendations on what to read next?

[Michael]

Gail wrote: "I just finished Damaged and Damaged book 2. Any recommendations on what to read next?"

The Ocean at the End of the Lane =P

[witchyreader13,]

Just finished this. I started reading it yesterday afternoon and had read all but 30 pages by the time I went to bed last night. I loved it. Before this, I had only read Gaiman's children's novels & the Sandman graphic novels, but even with just those he was a favorite author of mine. So nice to finally get around to an adult novel of his. It surprised me that the book was written for adults, but told from the POV of a 7 year old boy, but I think it was brilliantly done.

[Gail]

The ocean at the end of the lane I will read today! Thank you for the recommendation.

[Susan]

Big fan of Neil Gaiman and really enjoyed the book.

[Deb]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I love everything by Neil Gaiman and this book is no different.

[Tali]

Just finished this a few days ago. I have been a Gaiman reader/fan for over 20 years and he never ceases to amaze me.

I love how this book felt almost like a short story, just quick and easy to read while still igniting the imagination fully and deeply.

[Larissa]

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the bits that are alluded to by never fully explained, so I can use my imagination.

Thank you Neil!

[Mary]

Just finished a few hours ago...AMAZING!! After reading the summary on the book page I thought it would be pretty dull but it's a legit fairy tale where the bad guys are bad and the good guys are good. Also really liked how not everything is explained leaving it on a great note.

[Nicole]

Oh this was such a great read. Glad I joined the group and pick up the monthly challenge. Who else did not want this book to end? 5 stars from me!

[Norelle]

I read this in one sitting. .. damn it was Goooooooooodd! !

[Amy]

Michael wrote: "Amy wrote: "I am nearly finished the book, I wish I could say that it shapes my dreams....but everyday that I have not been able to read further has made me long to be home so I can get back to the..."

I have managed to find quite a few of his books that will be on my TBR list. I did really enjoy his writing!

[Michael]

Amy wrote: "Michael wrote: "Amy wrote: "I am nearly finished the book, I wish I could say that it shapes my dreams....but everyday that I have not been able to read further has made me long to be home so I can..."
It is always exciting when I think about someone getting to read his stories for the first time. I sometimes wish I could do that aging. If I may be so bold for a next read might be is most famous and one that is going to be turned in to a HBO miniseries American Gods, but which every way you go I hope it is fun.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Still waiting for the library....

[Michael]

Kristie wrote: "Still waiting for the library...."

=( Here hoping.
I always love when I get that e-mail that says my book is now available also I use my library Overdrive to get e-books and audiobook. And I got to say after reading the book, listing to Neil Gaiman read the book is all sort of wonderful. He has gotten much better over the years reading books.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Michael wrote: "Kristie wrote: "Still waiting for the library...."

=( Here hoping.
I always love when I get that e-mail that says my book is now available also I use my library Overdrive to get e-books and aud..."

That's good to know Michael. Thank you. I put a hold on the hard copy and the audio, just in case it came in sooner, but so far no luck. There were just a lot of holds on both. I seem to be running a month behind this group lately...Hopefully, I'll get one of them before August! I love those emails too. :)

[Hong]

I also read it in one sitting!! It was amazing and beautiful, and it's one I've been discussing with thers for ages! Such a great book. The moment I picked it up I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down.

My younger brother has read it now too and has inspired me to learn more about the fates!! I'm always happy to read a book that seems to have many different things happening alongside a great story...

[Michael]

Zen wrote: "I also read it in one sitting!! It was amazing and beautiful, and it's one I've been discussing with thers for ages! Such a great book. The moment I picked it up I knew I wouldn't be able to put it..."
I don't know if you every read Neil's Comic
The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes but the Fates are a main feature in the series. He uses them in a much different way though. But if you are looking for a great Story you might give it a chance.

[Ava]

I finished Ocean and I loved it! Amanda Palmer (Neil's wife) wrote a review of the book on her blog that I think is fairly accurate. Of all the books I've read- and I'm a big Gaiman fan- this one felt the most raw. I could definitely see the 'Neil' bits in there. The thing that struck me the most was his description of what it was like to be a child. I remember- just like the Sendak quote at the very beginning ( “I remember my own childhood vividly. I knew terrible things. But I knew I mustn’t let adults know I knew. It would scare them.”)- that childhood was terrifying and lonely. So much so that I needed to protect adults from it. Simultaneously, I also felt the book was about growing older and making peace with one's mortality. I'm an odd reader that never had a favorite book until now. Ocean is one of the few I've read complicated enough to grow with me. I loved it!

[Katie.g]

I was a little surprised to see how short it was. Definitely liked the feel of it. Reminded me of Coraline (which I've only seen the film of). I would like to read something else of his.

[Ashley]

I really liked this book! It was the first Neil Gaiman book I've read and I will definitely be reading more!

[Chanda2426]

Ashley wrote: "I really liked this book! It was the first Neil Gaiman book I've read and I will definitely be reading more!"

Ditto!
An absolutely gorgeous read!

[Michael]

I thought this was cool about Neil 14 Things you didn't know about Neil Gaiman

[Samantha]

A very easy read (one sitting like a lot of other readers). Left me with a sad feeling that I have forgotten far too much of my childhood though!

Glad I joined this club today or I would never have chosen to read this. Having previously read the other book on July's list, A Game of Thrones, I'm now looking forward to the August recommendations :)

[Justin]

I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane not knowing what to expect. I have never read a neil gaiman book.
I completely enjoyed this read. the shortness of the book left me wanting more. it also threw me in a loop reading from a childs POV.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that will listen.

[Lolis]

Loved it!

[Melissa]

Can't wait to read this!

[Jen]

I did not like this book at all. It was way too far fetched for me. I read some fantasy/sci-fi lately that I have really enjoyed but this was just weird. I couldn't wrap my head around some of the things taking place in the book. I just found it really odd and not very enjoyable. It did stick with it and finish it though.

[Cinthia]

Jen wrote: "I did not like this book at all. It was way too far fetched for me. I read some fantasy/sci-fi lately that I have really enjoyed but this was just weird. I couldn't wrap my head around some of the ..."
I felt closer to how Jen felt. I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either, like most of you did. I have never read a Gaiman book before, so I wonder if I wasn't used to his writing style? I did think it was well written and a nice little story, but it didn't grab me.

[Susan]

This book group prompted me to buy and start Ocean at the End of the Lane, thanks. Loved other books of Neil Gaiman such as Coraline, Neverwhere and Anansi Boys. Love the modern fable/playfulness of the author.:)

[Tom]

I was mildly disappointed with this book, and honestly think that it's success is based on Gaiman's name being attached. Whilst there are some nice passages (notably at the beginning and the end), the plot is largely mediocre!

[Jennie]

I loved this book! it was strange and beautiful. it made me think of all the wierd and scary things that every child goes through but adult minds reason away. Stunning.

[Susan]

Jennie wrote: "I loved this book! it was strange and beautiful. it made me think of all the wierd and scary things that every child goes through but adult minds reason away. Stunning."

I agree, Jenny. Gaiman's style here reminded me of Roald Dahl.
Susan

[Anupriya]

I liked this book. It was really different from whatever I've read until now. Neil Gaiman's style of writing was simple, though captivating. I'll give it 3.5 stars :)

[Hannah]

Not sure what to make of this book so far...Im about 1/2 done and it freaks me out a bit. Ha.