August 2015 - Group Listen #1: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

[Jon Recluse]

Okay folks, you know the drill.

Use spoiler tags and have fun!

[Latasha]

I just got this and will be starting it Monday

[Latasha]

I finished today. neil gaiman just makes me want to cry. when the book started I thought I was going to get super depressed. it is a very sad story but I didn't get depressed. I would love to know more about the Hempstocks. (view spoiler)[they were fascinating and kinda reminded me of the fates when old miss hempstock was cutting the dressing gown. and Ursula. I don't know if she really cast a spell almost over Papa or what but it was so disturbibg when she told them she didn't make anyone do nothing they didn't want to. and it was so sad that he couldn't remember returning to the Hempstocks. I just enjoyed this story a lot. (hide spoiler)]

[David]

I read this a while ago, and treated (and I do mean treated!) myself by listening to the audio-book a few days ago. I agree with Latasha's 'spoiler' assessment, especially with regards to the Fates.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane left so many lingering questions, and yet reading it/listening to it was a deeply fulfilling experience.
A wonderful book.

[Lena]

Hi! Just joined the group and listened to this book this month. I'm a King fan and like a good gorrible vampire now and then but sometimes the horror books with kids rub me wrong. I like Let the Right One In and Obsidian Butterfly but I did not Ike this - and yes, I know I'm one of the few. I couldn't finish The Night Strangers because of this kind of fear factor.

[K.N.]

I hadn't read this before, but listening to Gaiman narrate the story was an absolutely fantastic experience. (view spoiler)[Whenever he altered his tone and pitch for Ursula Monkton's voice, I shuddered. Also, I agree with Latasha over the dread of not-knowing whether the nameless boy's father tried to drown him of his own volition or because of Ursula's influence... Terrifying! (hide spoiler)] I'm giving it a second listen before my library loan expires!

[Robert]

I loved this one as well, and am really glad that Gaiman narrated it himself. Must like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy audiobooks read by the late, great Douglas Adams, it just wouldn't be the same with someone else reading it. It was an incredibly creative and at times very creepy book.