It is no secret that I’m a fan of Neil Gaiman and his writing. I’ve had a hardback copy of his newest book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, on order from Porter Square Books since Gaiman endorsed the indie bookstore with signed copies. You can take into consideration that it will join other signed copies of his books on my bookshelf. But do not let my fondness unfairly shade this review as Gaiman’s newest book is worth opening its pages and falling into them head first.
Touted as a fairy tale for adults, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a masterful frame story that challenges what memory is and how it plays in our lives. Framed with the return of a memory as an adult, the story becomes a remembrance that flirts at the edge of reality and imagination all the way through.
Because the narrator of the memory is a boy, some critics say that this book could be categorized for young adults. While it would be entertaining and still touch the fantastic that Gaiman always sprinkles his stories with for young readers, it may be more meaningful for adults who can apply the same type of “remembering” to long forgotten childhood events to question their realness and existence.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a fairy tale, yet it also reflects on the author, on his own writing, and the importance of books. Throughout, the narrator comments on his love for books and how they entertain and save him. When he tells of a birthday cake with a book on it, Gaiman writes, “I was their first book.” In some ways, it feels as if this fairy tale that touches on and steals from his own life is almost a deconstruction to how much a story becomes his own life. While it may be a fairy tale, telling stories gives Gaiman life. Perhaps he put a little of that life back in this particular story.
At the same time, the book still offers the familiar wild, weird, and wonderful that readers find and expect in Gaiman’s books. Mixed in with a sense of reality is magic. Perhaps because it reads like a memory, the magic feels even more tangible. Like many of his books, the dark and the light play against each other making it more of a book for adults than children. While some critics are calling this work short or incomplete, that fits exactly what the book challenges – what is a memory, and what does remembering do for us?
Out of all of his books, this one feels the most personal. It becomes a pleasure to get lost in Gaiman’s world that he offers in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Having listened to Gaiman read some of the passages from the book in preparation for the book’s release, I would also recommend getting the audiobook as well in order to hear Gaiman add his inflections to his own words to add to the richness and personal journey.
Update: Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman’s wife and awesome artist & musician, posted her review of The Ocean at the End of the Lane on her blog. Check it out!
Other Reviews (Warning: Spoilers)
Fantastic! I just got my copy on kindle today and can’t wait to get started
It’s not his longest piece, but it definitely pulls you in. Hope you enjoy it!
I like his writing, too.
I think I was drawn to this shorter piece of his because I heard him read parts of it live. There’s something charming because it is more personal. If you get it, I hope you enjoy it!
Nice review! It definitely has something, this book.
It’s very different. I felt almost like Neil was waiting beside me while I read, covering his eyes in fear of my reaction, and then wanting to know that I still liked his words and ultimately him when I finished. BTW, I did and do!
I can’t wait to read this book! Great post 🙂
Thanks! I think you’ll enjoy it! It’s short, but I think the personal nature of it makes it a big payoff.
Beautifully written, the book is a breath of fresh air; something that is characteristic of Neil Gaiman. He paints his inspiration in ink and leaves his readers with the most raw and potent images he can. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a magnificent addition to his earlier work and firmly establishes and reaffirms why the author is regarded as one of the finest Fantasy writers alive.
I might be biased in my opinion, but as someone who reads a LOT of fantasy, it’s always a pleasure to read such a well-written, cohesive book.
In terms of characterization, Gaiman creates memorable personalities. The narrator is as close to a reader as possible, rendering his fears into extensions of your own. Every character is there for a reason.
Critics may label this book a “Children’s Book” and perhaps they’re right. Every word is chosen with care and every thought is coated with just the right amount of subtlety. The difference though, is that Gaiman layers his work with images that linger in every reader, irrespective of age.
I would encourage you to read it because you never know when the neighbourhood pond might become your own ocean and your imagination kindles anew