Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Neverwhere
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Gaiman, Neil - Neverwhere - "Revisit" Buddy Read - Start December 20 2013
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I'm sorry to be a little late answering the first questions. Will get to the second set of questions later today.1) I also think it was an unusual name, but it certainly fits her. There's something she does regarding doors - she does seem to be able to open locked ones and create new ones. I'm curious to know how she does it, what kind of magic is involved.
2) As soon as Door appeared in the story I understood that she would be related to what that old woman had said about doors. Then when we got her name I just laughed because I thought it was so clever. If Richard hadn't helped Door, his life wouldn't have changed.
3) My first impression is that he's a very nice guy, nice and helpful. He couldn't just leave Door and that shows just how nice he is. But I still can't make me feel for him yet. I don't know why, maybe because he feels kind of... like a go-with-the-flow kind of guy? And a bit weak. I hope his character will start to feel stronger later on. I don't mean that he has to turn into a tough guy, just that I want his character to make a stronger impression on me.
4) This is really intriguing. I can't wait to learn how suddenly he can't be seen, and how he seems not to exist at all. But then some people do see and hear him. This was what finally hooked me and made me want to read on.
5) I think she knew, but my guess is she didn't say anything because she was in a hurry. She knew she had to go at once to be able to escape and save herself, and if she told him anything he would keep her with more and more questions and comments and so on. If that was the case I understand her, but still think it was bad of her to say nothing.
6) This is the first Gaiman story that I read. I have said to myself for years that I should read Gaiman, and that's why I decided to jump on this buddy read. So far I haven't been all captured by this story, but I'll keep at it and see where it goes.
I'm finally getting into this book, I think. This story is very different from what I usually read, but I'm starting to appreciate the way it is written and the small funny passages that are put into it.7) I think it's an interesting angle. There are "unseen" people in most cities, even in a small city like the one closest to where I live there are many homeless people or drunks that people just avoid or turn a blind eye to, pretend not to see. But here, it's taken one step further, making these unseen people unseen for real. I have to admit that I like that approach.
8) I have no idea what Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar are. I just know they scare me - a lot! I hope I never meet such creepy characters in reality!
9) I actually didn't notice, but... Well, that's a good observation.
10) I thought it was an interesting house/place. The thought of being able to pull together existing rooms, sort of preserving them in another dimension or whatever it is, even while the original of the room ceases to exist... That is indeed an intriguing thought. But I have no idea of how an outsider was able to enter the house.
11) Oh I didn't just giggle, I was laughing my head off (not literally). I love her! That is one great character, probably the first character in this book that I have actually started to like, to be honest.
12) I don't know. I mean, I think he is a bit suspicious and is up to something, but whether it is something good or something bad I have no clue.
13) I felt a bit sad for her, and it also got me thinking of what other terrible things exist in this other world. And I was curious when I read that about Hunter. How was she saving him? From what? Were there physical things she could defend him from, or can she somehow defend him from not-physical things too?
And I knew I recognized that part. I had to go back and read about that dream again, and now I'm trying to figure out the connection between that dream and what he experienced on the bridge...
14) The floating market was...interesting. Parts of it were fascinating, parts of it appalling. I wouldn't want to visit it myself though.
15) My guess is that pigeons are also important. But I wonder why rats are. Though they are very intelligent creatures, so I can see why they play this part in the story - maybe.
16) Yes, definitely interesting. And Richard is finally getting insane. I think I would too if I were in his situation. Now maybe he will start becoming a more interesting character? Can't really say I like him yet.
Mod
Questions for Chapters 4 - 5
7) I love this - and it seems to be a theme of much of Gaiman's work
8) I like the idea of boogey men. So creepy!
9) Yes, good theme
10) I loved this idea. Makes me think of being a kid again where you made little cubby houses and such that others couldn't come into
11) She's fab!
12) Seems a bit obvious that he is the "baddie" though doesn't it?
13) I hope she comes back. I found that really disconcerting, especially as Richard was apparently saved also. I think that dream may not have been a dream perse
14) Great idea. Love this concept, that all the junk is so valuable
15) I think this is more about this being an 'upside down' or 'opposite' world to ours
Questions for Chapters 4 - 57) I've been thinking about the concept of two Londons, the underground and aboveground. How the people who slip through the cracks of our London create the society of London underground. I was walking around San Francisco today, and I was thinking about this concept. In most big cities there is an ever present homeless population. But even though they are all over, the people walking around don't look at them, they look through them or avert their eyes, and ignore them. It made me think of how Richard became an unperson, how everyone ignored him in London above and he had to go to London underground or be ignored forever. It seems like a fantasy, but it kind of happens every day in the big cities of the world.
8) No sure about Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandermeer, other than I find them very scary. They remind me of the Jacks from Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book".
9) The theme naming of Doors family seems interesting, and falls in line with her family's ability to open doors. It must be significant that Portia's name doesn't fit with the theme. I wonder if it has to do with Portia from the Merchant of Venice, who disguised herself as a male lawyer. Maybe Gaiman's Portia will have something to do with justice or the law? Or maybe she has something to do with why an assassin could sneak into the house without doors. I'm really not sure.
10) The House without Doors is a cool concept, with a cool name. Who could have gotten in without the family's permission? I really don't know.
11) I had a feeling that the Hunter wasn't really what Richard thought she was. I think she would have been much more direct about it if she was. I'm very glad that she beat Varney. I wonder why she helped Richard? But I'm glad she did.
12) The marquis seems to be chaotic neutral. We still don't know who hired Croup and Vandemeer, they could have hired the marquis too. I'm hoping Door is suspicious of him.
13) Poor Anasthesia! I'm really sad about what happened to her. At one point the Hunter tells Richard she hopes the market will be worth Anasthesia's loss, and he immediately says it won't be. I really liked him for that.
I wonder what his dream was all about. I'm interested to see what becomes of Richard, how this experience will change him.
14) The floating market really reminded me of the market from Star Dust.
15) I think pigeons have both good and bad uses. They're vermin, but can be used for communication. Rats are almost exclusively seen as vermin. And they can squeeze into almost any crack. Maybe they could get into a house without doors? I think they are significant because they are so at home in London underground, and those in the underground admire them for that.
16) I hope Richard doesn't crack up too much looking for the angel. I'm glad Door went back for him.
This book makes me want to read The City and the City which is based on homeless people in different cities like Jessica observed. I'm also reading the authors preferred text of Neverwhere. Is anyone else reading thus copy? Has anyone noticed it's much longer so far?
Mod
3. I understand. He is a bit of a doormat, which is why I liked that he helped Door which was standing up to his gf
6. This is my favourite Gaiman so far. I hope you enjoy it :)
11. lol. She is very cool
13. yes, I wonder. There must be more to her
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@Jessica
7.Great insight, I agree with you completely
8. ah, true
13. He really is a "stand-up felow"!
16. same here. she finaly redeemed herself for me by doing that
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@Nicole
I just have the regular kindle version I think. I wonder how much of a difference there is?
Mod
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 9
17) So a train car is home for the Earl's Court. Interesting. I thought they were using the train to get to a location. I never considered the train car would be the destination. What did you make of the black shadow tentacle monster that grabbed Richard?
18) So Mr. Croup and Mr Vandemar are assassins that have been killing people for hundreds of years.
19) The Earl's real domain is that of Things lost, Things forgotten. He does seem to forget things so that seems appropriate. Did you notice they refer to him as the Earl but don't use a name? Has it also been forgotten?
20) So now there is a great Beast of London that disappeared into the sewers. Wonder how that will play into the story?
21) So there is a chance Anaesthesia may be alive.
22) Whoa! I didn't like the Marquis of Carabus, but I didn't expect to be the one to hire Mr. Croup and Mr Vandemar. Did you see that one coming?
23) What did you think of the meeting between Richard and Jessica? I chuckled when Richard started singing 'I'm A Believer'. I totally had forgotten about the Angel exhibit Jessica was creating for her boss.
24) Did you notice Door said her family had the skill to open things? I think we suspected as much.
25) Why do you suppose Jessica hasn't completely forgotten Richard?
Nicole wrote: "I'm also reading the authors preferred text of Neverwhere. Is anyone else reading thus copy? Has anyone noticed it's much longer so far? ."I know my copy has different page numbers. Do you know the ISBN number for your copy? I'd like to check out this author's preferred text.
I realized I forgot to answer the first question yesterday, so I edited my last post.@Karen: I'm starting to enjoy it now and then. There's a certain kind of humour in it that pops out on every few pages, and makes me giggle. So, well, it's growing on me. :)
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17) Me too, never imagined the train car to be the destination. But it definitely opens up many possibilities for other places and place names around London. Hm.
The tentacled thing in the gap was...creepy. I just hope there aren't unseen monsters like this in our big cities in reality. ;) But that would explain unexplainable falls onto the rails, wouldn't it?
18) Apparently so. Well the assassin part was already clear to me. But that they were so old..? The question I have is, are they really so old that they lived during all those events, or are they just old but not that old, and can travel through time..?
19) Well, it could be that it is forgotten, couldn't it?
20) I have a distinct guess at what the creature is, and that Richard will recognize it. But what part it will play in the rest of the story.. no clue.
21) Alive, or coming back from the dead, if she is in fact dead. I'm not sure what to make of what the rat said. In a way, I hope she is dead but has the possibility to be brought back to life, because I can't imagine what awful things she could be experiencing if she is still alive but captured in the night and the nightmares.
22) I definitely did not see that one coming! Now this should get interesting...
23) I remembered about her exhibition, but I had forgotten that it would be about angels. That scene had me chuckling as well.
24) Noticed it, suspected it. I was pleased to get a term put to what she's doing, them being "openers", that it is a Talent. I wonder what other Talents there are among the people below London?
25) Maybe, if you have been very close to a person that disappears into the world below London, you will still be vaguely aware of him if he's around? Like, if there's a very strong bond between you, maybe that bond can survive even though you can't remember why that person seems familiar?
Chapters 6 - 917) I think I've watched too many movies set in the wild west where the bad guy or a rich guy has a hideout on a train car, so the Earl having a court on a subway train didn't surprise me too much.
The shadow monsters in the gap reminded me of the shadows on the bridge to the market. I wonder if they are connected?
18) I agree with @mirliz that I didn't expect Croup and Vandermeer to be so old. I'm guessing they're not exactly human. It seems like the longer you stay in the underground the less human you become, maybe?
19) I didn't connect the Earl's forgetfulness and his dominance over things lost. It makes sense though. The narrative mentions that one of the saddest things about the Earl is that you can still kind of see the vivacious man he used to be inside the forgetful shell. Which I think is a good metaphor for senility.
20) I really don't know about the great beast of London. Is there an urban legend about it? I'll have to do some research. I'm familiar with alligators in the sewers.
21) I really hope Anesthesia is still alive. I hope the rats see that Richard is a nice, caring guy, and will maybe help him later.
22) I kind of saw it coming that the Marquis was the unnamed boss of Croup and Vandermeer. But he switches their orders from kill, to kidnap, to frightening Door. So maybe he'll help in the end.
23) I liked that the narrative connected to Jessica's angel exhibition mentioned at the beginning.
24) I pretty much assumed Door could open/create doors ever since Richard found her. But it's nice to have it confirmed.
25) Well Richard and Jessica were quite close. It makes sense to me that she feels his absence even if she doesn't recognize it's Richard she's missing.
Questions for chapters 4-59) Did anybody catch the name of Door's sister? It was Ingress. :)
I bet Portia doesn't have any special meaning other than it fits well with Portico. Although, "porta" means door in Italian. I keep wondering what Door's grandfather's name was...
Jessica wrote: "I know my copy has different page numbers. Do you know the ISBN number for your copy? I'd like to check out this author's preferred text"
0755322800 Neverwhere It's published by Headline Review.
There is no legend of the great beast of London but skeletons have been found. So maybe this is where the idea came from.
"The London clay can yield more tangible evidence, also; the skeletons of sharks (in the East End it was popularly believed that shark's teeth might cure cramp), the skull of a wolf in Cheapside, and crocodiles in the clay of Islington. In 1682 Dryden recognised this now forgotten and invisible landscape of London:
Yet monsters from thy large increase we find
Engender'd on the Slyme thou leav'st behind.
Eight years later, the remains of a mammoth were found beside what has since become King's Cross.
...The mammoth of 1690 was only the first primeval relic to be discovered in the London region. Hippopotami and elephants lay beneath Trafalgar Square, lions at Charing Cross, and buffaloes beside St. Martin-in-the-Fields. A brown bear was discovered in north Woolwich, mackerel in the old brick-fields of Holloway and sharks in Brentford. The wild animals of London include hyenas and rhinoceri which once grazed by the swamps and lagoons of the Thames."
(Ackroyd, Peter. London: The Biography. London: Chatto & Windus, 2000. pp. 9-10).
0755322800 Neverwhere It's published by Headline Review.
There is no legend of the great beast of London but skeletons have been found. So maybe this is where the idea came from.
"The London clay can yield more tangible evidence, also; the skeletons of sharks (in the East End it was popularly believed that shark's teeth might cure cramp), the skull of a wolf in Cheapside, and crocodiles in the clay of Islington. In 1682 Dryden recognised this now forgotten and invisible landscape of London:
Yet monsters from thy large increase we find
Engender'd on the Slyme thou leav'st behind.
Eight years later, the remains of a mammoth were found beside what has since become King's Cross.
...The mammoth of 1690 was only the first primeval relic to be discovered in the London region. Hippopotami and elephants lay beneath Trafalgar Square, lions at Charing Cross, and buffaloes beside St. Martin-in-the-Fields. A brown bear was discovered in north Woolwich, mackerel in the old brick-fields of Holloway and sharks in Brentford. The wild animals of London include hyenas and rhinoceri which once grazed by the swamps and lagoons of the Thames."
(Ackroyd, Peter. London: The Biography. London: Chatto & Windus, 2000. pp. 9-10).
Mod
25) So if I have it right, Doors family may have been from Atlantis? Or was it just the wine?
26) Pavarthy, you called it when you asked, "Does this make Richard special?" It appears he is special. At least special enough to pass a test many don't survive. Serpentine called him Door's hero. Interesting.
27) I was wrong about Marquis de Carrabas. He is not the one who hired the bad guys. Did you notice the reference to the fairy tale? He must have picked his name from the fairy tale Puss n Boots. I wish I could remember the character better from the story.
28) Door has killed many a terrible beast. Looks like she's got her sights set on the Beast of London. If she's so fierce, why does she need a body guard?
29) Are Door and Richard going to become romantically involved? I didn't thing this story would have a romance, but now I'm wondering.
30) Mr. Croup is displaying serpent type traits.
31) It seems like Richard dreamed of the Beast of London. Door dreamed of her father and his journal and him teaching her to unlock doors. Hunter, dreamed of killing some snake like beast. Does anyone see any significance in these? I'm not sure.
32) Who is the Old Bailey exactly? So the box the marquis de carabas gave to the Old Bailey lets him know when he's in trouble?
33) The time line question is finally answered: "There are little pockets of old time in London, where things and places stay the same, like bubbles in amber," she explained. "There's a lot of time in London, and it has to go somewhere--it doesn't all get used up at once.
34) What did you think of the London Fog?
35) Why do you think Richard survived the Ordeal? Is it because he's so easy going or just not very guilible?
36) What did you think of the Black Friars and their tests?
37) Parvathy asked in regards to the old lady at the beginning of the book, "Wonder why she thought Richard was homeless at first even though he just came out of the party and was dressed for it." I thought it was because they said he looked like he had a rumpled just gotten out of bed look to him, however, after this scene I think perhaps she foresaw more than I gave her credit for.
38) Do you think someone will save the marquis?
28) It wasn't Door that killed all the beasts. It was Hunter. That is why she is the best bodyguard.35) I think Richard survived the ordeal because he is the opposite of everyone else that tried. He was so sad before and such a follower. I think he has felt everything the ordeal tried to trick him into feeling before and survived it. He is just starting to feel good about himself and more confident now. I think the others were probably overly confident and may not have felt all those sad feelings before, so they had no idea how to deal with them.
37) I agree. I think she saw him for who he truly was. Plus, I just get the impression that he was really not happy with the life he was living, even then. If it was up to him he would have gone home, but he stayed to make everyone else happy and to give them a reason to celebrate. He never followed his own heart.
@piglettoThanks for the ISBN number, and the info.
My library doesn't have a copy of the author preferred text :(
So maybe I'll check out a bookstore, because I'm really curious about this different version.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 10 - 1225) So if I have it right, Doors family may have been from Atlantis? Or was it just the wine?
I thought it was just the wine. But I think in the underground anything is possible.
26) Pavarthy, you called it when you asked, "Does this make Richard special?" It appears he is special. At least special enough to pass a test many don't survive. Serpentine called him Door's hero. Interesting.
Yes! I'm glad that Richard's personality hasn't changed, he's still pretty laid back and kind, but they recognize him as a hero.
27) I was wrong about Marquis de Carrabas. He is not the one who hired the bad guys. Did you notice the reference to the fairy tale? He must have picked his name from the fairy tale Puss n Boots. I wish I could remember the character better from the story.
I was wrong too. I'm not too familiar with the old fairy tales, so it's neat to know where his name is from. I'll go see if I can read it somewhere online to look for connections.
28) Door has killed many a terrible beast. Looks like she's got her sights set on the Beast of London. If she's so fierce, why does she need a body guard?
It seems more like Hunter has her eyes on the beast of London.
29) Are Door and Richard going to become romantically involved? I didn't thing this story would have a romance, but now I'm wondering.
It would be pretty typical for them to get romantically involved. I'm not too sure because it's a Neil Gaiman story and he isn't usually so predictable.
30) Mr. Croup is displaying serpent type traits.
He did eat that ancient vase. Definitely got chills when he destroyed it just because it made the world a little brighter by being in it. I think that summed up his character right there.
31) It seems like Richard dreamed of the Beast of London. Door dreamed of her father and his journal and him teaching her to unlock doors. Hunter, dreamed of killing some snake like beast. Does anyone see any significance in these? I'm not sure.
Hmm...well it seems like Hunter has already killed a lot of these beasts of the underground. Maybe Richards dream means he will be the one to defeat it. And Hunters dream of the past means she's meant to do something else in this quest. I think Door's dream will come into play later if she tries to open something unconventional.
32) Who is the Old Bailey exactly? So the box the marquis de carabas gave to the Old Bailey lets him know when he's in trouble?
Still not sure about Old Bailey. He seems to be quite old too, like Croup and Vandermer. He's also lives on the rooftops so it's like he's a part of a London above London, instead of the underground.
33) The time line question is finally answered: "There are little pockets of old time in London, where things and places stay the same, like bubbles in amber," she explained. "There's a lot of time in London, and it has to go somewhere--it doesn't all get used up at once.
This was very reminiscent of Gaiman's Sandman comic. He has a similar sense of time there.
34) What did you think of the London Fog?
Scary. I didn't realize that was a real thing, until I looked it up.
35) Why do you think Richard survived the Ordeal? Is it because he's so easy going or just not very guilible?
I think it's more that he's extremely practical and logical. It takes him a little while to get used to how different London underground is from his London. Also Richard seems to have a pretty good handle on who he is. So when those people claimed to be him, he knew something was up.
36) What did you think of the Black Friars and their tests?
It seemed like Door and Hunter's test were easy for them. But Richard was also able to pass a test many had failed.
The Black Friars themselves seem pretty fair and nice.
37) Parvathy asked in regards to the old lady at the beginning of the book, "Wonder why she thought Richard was homeless at first even though he just came out of the party and was dressed for it." I thought it was because they said he looked like he had a rumpled just gotten out of bed look to him, however, after this scene I think perhaps she foresaw more than I gave her credit for.
Maybe she is or was a part of the Underground. Or maybe what happened to Richard happened to her and she can foresee it?
38) Do you think someone will save the marquis?
Probably. He's been pretty helpful, and Door doesn't seem to like leaving people behind.
Mod
17. Now that's a creepy thought!
18. Well that's a possibility. I just assumed they were ancient
21. true - what aterrible fate
24. good point. I wonder if there are other talents
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@Jessica
17. ah, true, they could be
18. good theory
30. oh yeah that shocked me too
34. well now I will have to look it up too!
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@Taylor
ah - nice pick up
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@Pigletto - thanks!
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@Kristie
35. That's true. I wonder if it was because he was selfless in his need to complete the ordeal also?
Mod
38) Did anyone guess Hunter betrayed them?
39)Who would have pegged the angel to be such a scoundrel? Gah! I should have figured he'd be a fallen angel, or at least I'm assuming he's fallen. Is he trying to free himself?
40) Do you suppose that memory about the lost journal had something to do with why there was a request for Door seek out the assistance of Islington? Could the Angel have written that in himself? Why did he at first want Door dead or did he?
41) So the silver box Old Bailey was keeping contained the marquis' life. So I was correct when I said it might contain his soul.
42) I don't know about anyone else but I thought it strange that bodies were being sold at the floating market by the sewer folk.
43) So for those who predicted that Richard's dream would come true - Good call. What did you make of Hunter's death?
44) So the beast was the key to get through the Labrinth and into Islington's prison. Blood in his eyes and on his tongue.
45) What did you think of the velvet lady? Were you surprised the Marquis saved Richard?
46) Predictions as to what will happen at the end? Will Richard get his life back? Will Door avenge her family? Will Richard and Jessica be reunited?
9) Did you notice Doors family's names??? Arch, Portico, Portia... Portia doesn't seem to fit the others. Lord Portico, Lady Portia, and their children Door, Arch, and Ingress -- all are words meaning an entryway. Portia is a play on Portal...
"Door's family, in line with their inherited ability as 'Openers,' all have names that suggest a door or entrance: her mother and father the Lord Portico and Lady Portia, her sister Ingress, her brother Arch."
I'd like to know which of the two characters are gay (according to Gaiman, there are two)... I'd wager Hunter and the Marquis?
@Steven: I didn't know Gaiman had said that. In that case I'm pretty certain Hunter is one of them. Not sure about the other one though.Chapters 10 - 12
25) So if I have it right, Doors family may have been from Atlantis? Or was it just the wine?
I guess her ancestors could have been from Atlantis? They could have brought the wine as souvenirs from a trip, but that's less likely I think.
26) Pavarthy, you called it when you asked, "Does this make Richard special?" It appears he is special. At least special enough to pass a test many don't survive. Serpentine called him Door's hero. Interesting.
Well, he does have hero qualities, even though he's not the typical hero in my eyes.
27) I was wrong about Marquis de Carrabas. He is not the one who hired the bad guys. Did you notice the reference to the fairy tale? He must have picked his name from the fairy tale Puss n Boots. I wish I could remember the character better from the story.
Sadly I don't know that story so I didn't notice the reference.
29) Are Door and Richard going to become romantically involved? I didn't thing this story would have a romance, but now I'm wondering.
I'm not so sure.
30) Mr. Croup is displaying serpent type traits.
He is. Scary.
32) Who is the Old Bailey exactly? So the box the marquis de carabas gave to the Old Bailey lets him know when he's in trouble?
I'm very curious about the Old Bailey. I'd like to know much more about him.
33) The time line question is finally answered: "There are little pockets of old time in London, where things and places stay the same, like bubbles in amber," she explained. "There's a lot of time in London, and it has to go somewhere--it doesn't all get used up at once.
I like that idea of time.
34) What did you think of the London Fog?
I didn't know it had happened in reality, that's terrible.
35) Why do you think Richard survived the Ordeal? Is it because he's so easy going or just not very guilible?
I agree on the theory that he has been such a sad person, and has overcome those kinds of feelings before.
36) What did you think of the Black Friars and their tests?
The Black Friars seem okay. Their tests also seem fair. There was a task for each of them that they had the possibility to pass.
37) Parvathy asked in regards to the old lady at the beginning of the book, "Wonder why she thought Richard was homeless at first even though he just came out of the party and was dressed for it." I thought it was because they said he looked like he had a rumpled just gotten out of bed look to him, however, after this scene I think perhaps she foresaw more than I gave her credit for.
I actually didn't think much about this. But yeah, maybe she knew something about London Below or what would happen to him. I don't know.
Chapters 13 - 16
38) Did anyone guess Hunter betrayed them?
I didn't guess that, so I was surprised. Actually I had forgotten that 'There is one traitor among you' part.
39)Who would have pegged the angel to be such a scoundrel? Gah! I should have figured he'd be a fallen angel, or at least I'm assuming he's fallen. Is he trying to free himself?
Curious to know. And I have no idea what he's up to.
40) Do you suppose that memory about the lost journal had something to do with why there was a request for Door seek out the assistance of Islington? Could the Angel have written that in himself? Why did he at first want Door dead or did he?
There is a possibility that Islington wrote that entry himself in some way. And I don't think he wanted Door dead even in the beginning - I think that was a way of having Vandemar and Croup getting interested in taking the job.
42) I don't know about anyone else but I thought it strange that bodies were being sold at the floating market by the sewer folk.
Nothing seems too strange for my any longer...
45) What did you think of the velvet lady? Were you surprised the Marquis saved Richard?
I thought she was suspicious from the very beginning, so I wasn't surprised at what she did. And I wasn't surprised the Marquis saved Richard either, since I thought it was about time that he caught up with them.
46) Predictions as to what will happen at the end? Will Richard get his life back? Will Door avenge her family? Will Richard and Jessica be reunited?
Oh I'm so bad at predictions! I think Richard will get his life back. I think Door will avenge her family. I have no idea about Richard and Jessica.
Come to think of it, I'm not that sure actually that Richard will get his life back.
Mod
Questions and Comments for Chapters 13 - 1638) Did anyone guess Hunter betrayed them?
It didn't surprise me too much. She seemed more invested in hunting the beast, than protecting Door.
39)Who would have pegged the angel to be such a scoundrel? Gah! I should have figured he'd be a fallen angel, or at least I'm assuming he's fallen. Is he trying to free himself?
Hmmm...not sure what's going on with the angel. He had that dream about Atlantis being destroyed, so maybe that has something to do with his betrayal? It's interesting that Gaiman is tapping into the idea of fallen angels.
40) Do you suppose that memory about the lost journal had something to do with why there was a request for Door seek out the assistance of Islington? Could the Angel have written that in himself? Why did he at first want Door dead or did he?
No clue. Maybe the angel isn't completely fallen?
41) So the silver box Old Bailey was keeping contained the marquis' life. So I was correct when I said it might contain his soul.
This is cool. I've heard myths and legends about people storing their soul in items to prolong their life. The most famous modern story to reference this is probably Harry Potter. But Necromancing the Stone also uses this as a plot point. It's a cool idea, but usually dehumanizes the one doing it.
42) I don't know about anyone else but I thought it strange that bodies were being sold at the floating market by the sewer folk.
It seems like everything is fair game at the floating market
43) So for those who predicted that Richard's dream would come true - Good call. What did you make of Hunter's death?
Her death happened so quickly, it felt abrupt.
44) So the beast was the key to get through the Labrinth and into Islington's prison. Blood in his eyes and on his tongue.
It reminded me of the part in The Sandman where Thessaly had to use blood in a pretty gruesome ceremony to walk the Moon Road.
45) What did you think of the velvet lady? Were you surprised the Marquis saved Richard?
Yes, what is the Marquis' true character? He says he's just doing whatever he can to survive, yet he has a very clear code where he honors his debts. I guess we'll see.
46) Predictions as to what will happen at the end? Will Richard get his life back? Will Door avenge her family? Will Richard and Jessica be reunited?
I think Richard is a different person than the guy who was with Jessica. Maybe he won't want to go back and leave Door behind?
Just downloaded this to my Kindle. I'll be starting today :-)
38) Did anyone guess Hunter betrayed them?That part really surprised me! I had no idea the traitor was Hunter.When they said there was a traitor amongst them, I thought they were insinuating that it was the Marquis.
39)Who would have pegged the angel to be such a scoundrel? Gah! I should have figured he'd be a fallen angel, or at least I'm assuming he's fallen. Is he trying to free himself?
I was surprised by this as well. I guess we might have figured it was someone like him. Who else would Croup & Vandermeer be scared of. Croup was more polite on the phone than you would expect him to be with anyone.
41) So the silver box Old Bailey was keeping contained the marquis' life. So I was correct when I said it might contain his soul.
Very cool that you picked up on that! I just thought it was something that would save him.
42) I don't know about anyone else but I thought it strange that bodies were being sold at the floating market by the sewer folk.
I thought that was strange too, but I agree with other commenters that it seems everything is fair game at those markets.
43) So for those who predicted that Richard's dream would come true - Good call. What did you make of Hunter's death?
I feel that it's not quite over somehow....
45) What did you think of the velvet lady? Were you surprised the Marquis saved Richard?
The velvet lady is creepy.... I thought it interesting that Hunter left him behind with her to whatever fate would become him after saving him all those times. I'm still not really sure why Hunter did save him so many times. I was really glad that the Marquis saved him. I think the Marquis is a good guy underneath it all.
46) Predictions as to what will happen at the end? Will Richard get his life back? Will Door avenge her family? Will Richard and Jessica be reunited?
I've already read the end, so I won't tell you what does happen, but I remember thinking at this point that Richard would change his mind and not want to go back.
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47) So I think we all predicted how this section would end--Door is saved and avenges her family, Richard gets his life back, etc. Door opening up a door that did not lead to heaven was a nice touch. Did it bother you that we don't know what happened to Door's sister? This one left a lot to your own imagination. Do you like when an author does this or not?
48) Did you like that Richard was given a choice and then a second chance to live in London Below?
49) Did you like that Door ending up rescuing herself?
50) What do you make of the title Neverwhere? Is it a spin on Neverland? Does it seem appropriate that those who end up falling between the cracks are as if they never were?
51) Overall thoughts of the book? What will you rate it?
52) So if you had to pick between your current life and a Neverwhere which would you pick?
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lol! :D
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38. very true. Her focus was really on the beast
41. I haven't read the Necromancer books, but that is an interesting point about dehumanising seeing that Neverwhere people are that bit different!
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welcome Kaitlin!
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@Kristie
38. same here. I guess I'm not a good sleuth!
39. good point. It takes a massive threat to make C&V scared!
41. same here. Again, I'm not a good sleuth...lol
45. I found this, like many aspects of the book, unanswered. It seems to be a deliberate style of Gaiman's
Questions & Comments for Chapters 17 - End47) So I think we all predicted how this section would end--Door is saved and avenges her family, Richard gets his life back, etc. Door opening up a door that did not lead to heaven was a nice touch. Did it bother you that we don't know what happened to Door's sister? This one left a lot to your own imagination. Do you like when an author does this or not?
Door opening a door into space on the surface of a distant star, was awesome! This would be a striking scene if they ever made a movie version.
I don't mind that we never find out what happens with Doors sister. We didn't really learn much about her, and I like that we are given a sense that the story goes on even after it leaves us.
48) Did you like that Richard was given a choice and then a second chance to live in London Below?
Yes. Richard worked so hard to get back, and he accomplished what was deemed impossible. But when he finally got what he wanted he found that he didn't want it anymore. I think this is realistic, and a lot of people can relate to that feeling.
49) Did you like that Door ending up rescuing herself?
Yes, it's good to see her holding her own. She didn't strike me as the damsel in distress type.
50) What do you make of the title Neverwhere? Is it a spin on Neverland? Does it seem appropriate that those who end up falling between the cracks are as if they never were?
It didn't occur to me, but it probably is a reference to Neverwhere. A place people can end up from our wold if they feel invisible or out of place. I mentioned earlier that when you walk through a really big city, the fact that there is all this hustle and bustle, and parallel to that are the homeless that everybody ignores or looks through. In a weird way when I see that it makes me feel like Neverwhere, a place where people who are ignored can be seen and create their own societies, isn't so unbelievable.
51) Overall thoughts of the book? What will you rate it?
I really enjoyed this, I'll give it 5 stars. It's very thoughtful and well crafted. And it has a subtle drama and action. I read a lot of current literature that has so much intense drama and action and romance. It's nice to be reminded that you can have different degrees of intensity.
52) So if you had to pick between your current life and a Neverwhere which would you pick?
Definitely my current life. Neverwhere seems scary, and I'd be so helpless as I relearned how the world works.
At last i'm catching up!1. Well when she said her name was door and after her opening a door where there appeared to be no door, it had to be significant!
2.I had completely forgot what the old lady said at the beginning, but would never have thought she meant a person.
3. I think Richard seems like a really nice person, a good Samaritan not leaving Door there on the street. But i also think that destiny was at work too getting him to take her home, cause i would happily help someone injured but take them home, hmmm maybe not.
4. I had no idea what was going on but obviously helping someone called door doesn't do you any favors!
5. Yes i think Door knew too well what was about to happen.
6. I've read 4 of his books, this ones good but not as good so far as my favourite The Ocean At The End Of The Lane.
7. Well why not all that wasted space underground. It's a bit creepy though.
8. They are cat like with their taste for eating small rodents and such. But they also seem a demonic!
9. I hadn't even noticed! Hmm
10. The house without doors was great, but the murderer must have known them to get in or are we missing some 'magic' that will be revealed later on.
11. I did guess that she was a body guard wannabe, she seemed very harsh and self assured when Richard first meet her! Im not sure i like or dislike her, always nice to have a butt kicking female character though!
12. Yes there's something odd about how he acts!
13. I was sad she was taken, but i loved that she had selflessly saved Richard.
14. The market is weird, if only you could pop up a market as quickly and without leaving a trace. It seemed so old worldly.
15. Hmm pigeons maybe but it doesn't seem so in the book so far. I suppose rats is a logical choice they are regarded as quite insignificant up here, and the sewers and such are their domain so why not run it!
16. Yep an angel, well why not!
@ Karen - #45 - Yes, I think Gaiman likes to leave a few things open ended. I also wonder about Hunter and Door's sister. It's not enough for me to be frustrated with the book, just a few questions left unanswered. Questions & Comments for Chapters 17 - End
47) I would have liked to know about Door's sister, but it didn't really bother me, I think because she wasn't a major character. Gaiman left the door open for a sequel with that - Richard and Door go looking for her sister.
48) I did. I was a bit confused by the key though. I thought it was his to keep and he could come and go as he pleased. I wasn't sure why he left it with Door when he left.
49) Yes! I didn't think she would.
51) This was my fourth and favorite Gaiman book. I gave it four stars.
52) I'd pick my own life. It may be more boring than Neverwhere, but I wouldn't want to be scared all the time and not understand what's going on or why. I think there are plenty of adventures to be found up here. And I'd miss my family and friends terribly! Richard didn't seem to have much holding him back.
Chapters 17 - End47) So I think we all predicted how this section would end--Door is saved and avenges her family, Richard gets his life back, etc. Door opening up a door that did not lead to heaven was a nice touch. Did it bother you that we don't know what happened to Door's sister? This one left a lot to your own imagination. Do you like when an author does this or not?
I usually don't like so much when an author does that, but in this case I actually didn't care so much.
48) Did you like that Richard was given a choice and then a second chance to live in London Below?
Yes, that made me feel happy for him - that he eventually got what he wanted in the end.
49) Did you like that Door ending up rescuing herself?
Yes, I liked that.
51) Overall thoughts of the book? What will you rate it?
To be honest I didn't like this book as much as I hoped I would. I liked the general idea of it, the whole thing about a London Below with magic and myths and creatures and monsters really existing. But I didn't really feel like I got into the book as much as I usually do, and I couldn't really connect to the characters. I will give it two or three stars.
52) So if you had to pick between your current life and a Neverwhere which would you pick?
I would choose my current life. Sure, a little more adventure would be fun and interesting, but Neverwhere seems too scary for me. Too much adventure...
17. Didn't expect them to be going to a train car as their destination. I didnt like the idea of the tentacle monster i'll be mindful to mind the gap next train i get on.18. I worked out they were assassins but im still not certain how exactly they are that old, time travel?!
19. It would seem logical that he has forgotten his name and now it's lost, he certainly is struggling to remember everyone else's name.
20. I wasn't sure how it would play in, but a beast in the sewers didn't scream fun times!
21. I think i liked to think she was still alive, b ut i think that was because i feel bad that Richard thinks her potential death is his fault.
22. Not really. I thought he was dodgy but in more of a sly cunning on his own part way, not a hire killers way.
23. Yep i had totally forgot about the exhibit, i feel like i forgot a lot of what Jessica said like when she spoke it was just droning in my ear!
24. Yeah suspected that from the beginning. Nice to have it confirmed though!
25. No idea. She's the only 1 maybe she loved him more than we thought so his presence still arouses feelings in her.
25. I thought it was just the wine! That's why it's so special.26. I think he really has been her hero from the beginning but it's nice to see that everyone else and he himself see's it too.
27. I don't remember the story of puss in boots, i remember Puss in boots more from Shrek than anything else!
28. I'm not sure but maybe she's not as fierce as we think, she's had a hard time of lately maybe she needs the back up.
29. I don't know, is that too fairy tale a romance between the 2 lost slightly vulnerable lead characters!
30. An it's pretty creepy!
31. The dreams are surely going to be significant, but i'm not sure what yet.
32. Im not sure who he is, but that wasn't really what i expected the box to do!
33. Well it doe explain a lot if also making things weirder and more confusing!
34. It sounded horrible, not something you would have wanted to experience.
35. I think it's because he is strong person inside. It would take a lot to hear that, especially when you are in a bad place, and come out the other side. He has hidden strength in my opinion.
36. I liked them, i don't think you can grudge them setting hard tests the key is obviously of vital importance.
37. Yes i think she knew more than we were told.
38. I hope so i don't think his stories over yet!
38. I wasn't that shocked, there seemed something dodgy after she took them to her friends and Door was so freaked out! That made me wonder.39. I know should have known hidden away like that was a sign, i just assumed he was hiding from people trying to kill him.
40. Hmm maybe he did write it, would be hard pushed to believe Doors dad wouldn't know the truth about Islington.
41. That was much more of what i was expecting from the box.
42. Yeah it was weird, no matter if you live in London below surely that is weird.
43. Shocked. Wasn't expecting Hunter to die!
44. Yuck i didn't fancy the blood of that beast on my eyes or tongue! Or Richards hands for that matter when was the last time they were washed!
45. Well velvet made me think she was a bit of a lady of the night but wasnt expecting her to suck out his heat. Wasn't surprised im learning that we don't really know the marquis.
46. I think Richard will get his life back and Door will avenge her family.
47. Hmm i didn't mind too much that we dont know what happened to her sister she wasn't that big a plot point. An if i like it as a plot technique depends on the story.
48. Yes and i think he had to go back to realise how much London below meant to him. Im glad it ended that way as i was starting to worry it was all made up in his head.
49. Yes, love a bit of girl power! It fitted her character.
50. I see it as you say as people who go there have slipped through the cracks and kind of Never Where in the world above.
51. I liked it, my 2nd fav i've read of his so far. 4 stars.
52. Current life. I couldn't be dirty like that all the time. An it seems just to scary.
) As Lucy mentioned, what a fun a different name for a character--Door. She says it's not short for anything it's just her name. From what we've seen does anyone else think there is some significance to this name? The first chapter talked of her trying to open up doors to escape the two men, if we can call them that, that were in pursuit of her.Well, Dick's Destiny is tied to her is all I know. The fortune teller told him about Door in the prologue, I think initially we were probably thinking doors, literally, but clearly Dick is going to be tied to this woman somehow.
2) The old woman in the prologue warned Richard to avoid doors. Who knew it would be three years later that her prediction would come true? What do you make of Door and her world? Did anyone have a clue the old woman was talking about a person?
See above
3) First impression of Richard Mayhew? I think he seems a little too easy going, but a nice guy. I liked how he didn't just leave door on the pavement.
He reminds me a little of the male heroin in Stardust being with women initially who don't like them for who they are and being a little push over. He is a good guy it seems to me.
4) What the heck is going on with Richard? Why doesn't anyone know him? It's like he's been erased or at least the last few years of his life have been.
I think he has entered this mystical otherworld somehow because he helped Lady Door.
5) Do you think Door apologized because she knew what was about to happen to Richard? Do you think she knew his world would be turned upside down?
Yes
6) Have you read any of Neil Gaiman's other stories? If so which are your favorites? How does the beginning of this one compare to the ones you've read?
As I said it has a bit of a Stardust feel to me. I am also just starting American Gods and so far I really like both of them and wonder if these two may end up being my two favorites so far.
I'm just starting this one. Hope I can get someone to chat with me! Questions and Comments for Prologue - Chapter 3
1) As Lucy mentioned, what a fun a different name for a character--Door. She says it's not short for anything it's just her name. From what we've seen does anyone else think there is some significance to this name? The first chapter talked of her trying to open up doors to escape the two men, if we can call them that, that were in pursuit of her.
Definitely seems like the name is significant. She must have some sort of portal magic going on in her world.
2) The old woman in the prologue warned Richard to avoid doors. Who knew it would be three years later that her prediction would come true? What do you make of Door and her world? Did anyone have a clue the old woman was talking about a person?
I didn't catch that at all. I was thinking of doors literally.
3) First impression of Richard Mayhew? I think he seems a little too easy going, but a nice guy. I liked how he didn't just leave door on the pavement.
Richard strikes me as a pushover. Total and complete pushover. I'm not loving Jessica and I was at least impressed that he "defied" her and took Door home. Looks like a life-changing decision overall!
4) What the heck is going on with Richard? Why doesn't anyone know him? It's like he's been erased or at least the last few years of his life have been.
It's strange. They almost recognize him. He's like a wisp of a memory. Are we looking at some sort of strange alternate timeline? Is Door opening portals to different time streams?
5) Do you think Door apologized because she knew what was about to happen to Richard? Do you think she knew his world would be turned upside down?
I think she did, and she's sad because he's a simple, nice guy. But she has a strong survival instinct so she does what she has to do. Sorry, Richard. :(
6) Have you read any of Neil Gaiman's other stories? If so which are your favorites? How does the beginning of this one compare to the ones you've read?
This one is actually a slower start for me. I like it so far, but I'm not sure where it will end up as a rating. I have read Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane as well. The Ocean was my favorite of the three, but I liked all of them.
Questions for Chapters 4 - 57) Well we now know what is going on... "Young man," he said, "understand this: there are two Londons. There's London Above--that's where you lived--and then there's London Below--the Underside--inhabited by the people who fell through the cracks of the world. Now you're one of them." Yikes! But so cool. I love it. What is your reaction?
London Below is so interesting. I can easily picture it as I read. Poor Richard is so lost and out of his element here!
8) What are Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar? Some things remind me of cats and others of vampires or boogey men. What do you think?
Creepy, creepy, creepy.
9) Did you notice Doors family's names??? Arch, Portico, Portia... Portia doesn't seem to fit the others.
I just thought Portia was a female spelling of Portico. :)
10) What did you think of the 'House without Doors'? How did someone get in? Was it someone they knew?
I thought the concept was super-cool. And I would like to live there. I think it would have to be a family member with the same powers, right?
11) I kind of giggled when Hunter revealed what her true profession was. I have to admit I wondered. What do you think of her? I'm glad she knocked Varney out of the running.
I knew it would be something like that! I think I like Hunter, but I'm not 100% on her yet.
12) Anyone else think the marquis is up to no good?
No, I think (hope) it's misdirection and he will end up being a stand-up guy. I WANT to like him. Don't break my heart, Marquis.
13) What did you think of Anaesthesia being taken as a toll on the bridge? What did you make of Hunter revealing she'd saved Richard three times on that bridge? Anyone else wondering if Richard's dream from before wasn't one?
I was so sad, and kept thinking it was a mistake or she would pop back up afterwards. I liked her. Is Richard a pre cog? Is he in an alternate timeline?
14) What did you think of the floating market?
Loved it. I thought it was one of the best parts so far. So perfect for London Below. Richard just can't believe all of the things he didn't know about in his previous life.
15) So if rats are important, are pigeons too? What do you make of the importance of rats?
Not sure yet. The whole concepts of rats and rat speakers leaves me scratching my head.
16) So now they're on a quest to find an angel named Islington. Should prove interesting.
Definitely. Reading on now!
Mod
Based on the Gaiman books you have read, I suspect you will quite enjoy this one. It is one of my favourites.
I love reading your comments as it is reminding me of the book. For instance, I totally forgot about the name "Door"!
Karen wrote: "Sure Michelle, I'll chime in :)Based on the Gaiman books you have read, I suspect you will quite enjoy this one. It is one of my favourites.
I love reading your comments as it is reminding me of..."
I am listening to it on audio so it's a different sort of experience for me. I picked it up at the library because it's Neil Gaiman reading it himself and it's his "author's preferred text," although I have no idea what that might change from the other editions. It's really good so far.
Michelle wrote: "Karen wrote: "Sure Michelle, I'll chime in :)Based on the Gaiman books you have read, I suspect you will quite enjoy this one. It is one of my favourites.
I love reading your comments as it is r..."
I read this 2 months ago, I can chime in also. I listen to The Ocean at the End of the Lane read by Gaiman. I loved his reading.
Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar are creepy...
Esther wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Karen wrote: "Sure Michelle, I'll chime in :)Based on the Gaiman books you have read, I suspect you will quite enjoy this one. It is one of my favourites.
I love reading your co..."
So creepy! The part with the knife throwing? Well, pretty much any time they are around.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 917) So a train car is home for the Earl's Court. Interesting. I thought they were using the train to get to a location. I never considered the train car would be the destination. What did you make of the black shadow tentacle monster that grabbed Richard?
I know I won't be standing next to the edge of the platform in the future! Using the train car as the destination was a creative twist. I love how Gaiman has such a great imagination. Amazing writer.
18) So Mr. Croup and Mr Vandemar are assassins that have been killing people for hundreds of years.
No surprise there. They are both super creepy.
19) The Earl's real domain is that of Things lost, Things forgotten. He does seem to forget things so that seems appropriate. Did you notice they refer to him as the Earl but don't use a name? Has it also been forgotten?
I didn't really catch that. Forgotten over time seems appropriate!
20) So now there is a great Beast of London that disappeared into the sewers. Wonder how that will play into the story?
I'm not sure, but I think they will be glad Hunter is around if so. He could be a misunderstood beast, too.
21) So there is a chance Anaesthesia may be alive.
Gosh, I hope so! I hated that she paid the toll on the bridge. I liked her. Maybe Richard and she will find each other at the end, fall in love, and he will stay with her and the rat people???
22) Whoa! I didn't like the Marquis of Carabus, but I didn't expect to be the one to hire Mr. Croup and Mr Vandemar. Did you see that one coming?
NOOOOOOO! I'm holding onto hope here. I can't believe the Marquis is bad.
23) What did you think of the meeting between Richard and Jessica? I chuckled when Richard started singing 'I'm A Believer'. I totally had forgotten about the Angel exhibit Jessica was creating for her boss.
I had forgotten about the Angel exhibit as well. Probably because I blocked all things Jessica. Really don't like her.
24) Did you notice Door said her family had the skill to open things? I think we suspected as much.
Yes, she's a portal opener. Cool skill.
25) Why do you suppose Jessica hasn't completely forgotten Richard?
Not sure, but I'm still sticking with my alternative time streams where he is still a wisp of a memory to her.
I finished this last night, and all along I was thinking, "good book, three stars!" but now I think I'm at 4 stars. I keep thinking about the characters and I don't want to leave their world--the mark of a really good book for me. Review coming soon. Hope some more of the Tower Teams folks choose to chime in so I can talk about it more.
(view spoiler)
Yes, I think I loved this book.
Mod
(view spoiler)
I started reading this earlier this year but didn't make it through. Stopped around chapter 7. So now I'm going to finish. For previous questions (sections I've already read) I'm just going to answer sporadic questions since I either know what happens or forgot :)I also listened to the BBC production last year. Highly recommended.
Questions and Comments for Prologue - Chapter 3
1) As Lucy mentioned, what a fun a different name for a character--Door. She says it's not short for anything it's just her name. From what we've seen does anyone else think there is some significance to this name? The first chapter talked of her trying to open up doors to escape the two men, if we can call them that, that were in pursuit of her.
I LOVE her name. I don't know what it is. You always hear of people giving their kids weird names, but this one I would actually consider.
3) First impression of Richard Mayhew? I think he seems a little too easy going, but a nice guy. I liked how he didn't just leave door on the pavement.
I like Richard. He kind of reminds me of myself.
4) What the heck is going on with Richard? Why doesn't anyone know him? It's like he's been erased or at least the last few years of his life have been.
A thing of nightmares. It's one thing to have invisibility as a superpower, something you can control, but to just have your life erased and not have people remember you is a bit terrifying.
6) Have you read any of Neil Gaiman's other stories? If so which are your favorites? I've only read the Graveyard book and I liked it because it was so different from all of the other books I've read. How does the beginning of this one compare to the ones you've read?
I read Stardust after seeing the movie but found it very difficult to get through. The movie was fantastic but the book couldn't pull off the magic for me.
Questions for Chapters 4 - 5
7) Well we now know what is going on... "Young man," he said, "understand this: there are two Londons. There's London Above--that's where you lived--and then there's London Below--the Underside--inhabited by the people who fell through the cracks of the world. Now you're one of them." Yikes! But so cool. I love it. What is your reaction?
Awesome. I love the idea and that everything underneath is so literal.
8) What are Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar? Some things remind me of cats and others of vampires or boogey men. What do you think?
Creepy, creepy things that go bump in the night. I suppose like bogeymen, but probably worse.
9) Did you notice Doors family's names??? Arch, Portico, Portia... Portia doesn't seem to fit the others.
I think Portia is somewhere in the door/entryway family. Like a portal.
15) So if rats are important, are pigeons too? What do you make of the importance of rats?
Pigeons are flying rats so... there's a chance.
Hope you get through it this time, Tory. It was a bit of a slow start for me but I really got into the world by the end.
Ha, I was really getting into it and then I lost the book. Can't find it anywhere. Hopefully I remember what was going on when I find it again. I had to kind of skim what I had already read when I started it again the last time.I love the world and the characters are pretty interesting. I especially like the Marquis. It really is a fascinating idea, switching everything up underground.
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (other topics)American Gods (other topics)
Necromancing the Stone (other topics)
Neverwhere (other topics)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (other topics)
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2) I had no idea the door could be a person until she appeared. Then it was, "Oh!! Doooor!!"
3) I thought he was a bit of a pushover, too much of a follower. I was also glad that he didn't leave Door on the sidewalk. However, I think he should have just called the ambulance. (Obviously, that would not have made for a very interesting story at all!)
5) I think she knew that it was a very likely possibility.
6) This is my fourth and my favorite so far. :)
7) I love it as well. Very creative concept.
8) I have no idea. Just creepy London below people?
9) I didn't notice that at all!
11) I like her! She is kind of kick-@$$. :)
12) Hmmm...not sure what I think about him at this point. He's not very nice to Richard.
13) I was so sad about Anaesthesia being taken! And I thought it was interesting that Hunter said she'd saved Richard three times on that bridge. I wonder why she didn't save Anaesthesia? As far as I know, she has no reason to think that Richard is anything special yet.
14) Interesting....lol Junk! Get your junk here!
15) I have no idea what to make of this. Maybe just as people have worshipped cats or dogs, etc in the past, the people below worship rats?