The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman | Book Review

[@1book1review]

I like that he doesn't explain his magic and just presents it as something that is part of our reality. Like it's something completely normal. I loved the book!

[@estellasrevenge]

I got a feeling things magical just happen in Neil Gaiman's world. Also, the Hempstock ladies were related to the witch buried in the potter's field in The Graveyard Book. I met him a while back and reviewed on my channel. I looooved it.

[@rinceyreads]

Yeah the bathtub scene was hard to read. Also, the scene where he discovers the hole in his foot had me cringing.

[@rinceyreads]

That is a great point. I guess I always just expect some sort of explanation for the supernatural elements, although in his worlds they are just there like oceans exist or trees.

[@rinceyreads]

Oo these are all great points. I think the vague-ness also makes sense because this is someone going through their own memories so they aren't going to have the complete story or all of the details. It makes sense in the context of the book, but I did still want more.

[@rinceyreads]

Thank you! And yes, I saw you talking about reading Nevermore after reading this one so I think that will be my path, too.

[@rinceyreads]

Ohh I didn't even make that connection to The Graveyard book. Thanks for the insight!

[@rinceyreads]

I hope you enjoy it! I found that one a lot of fun and might be my favorite children's book of his

[@rinceyreads]

Yay I hope you enjoy it!

[@rinceyreads]

Yeah, I wasn't planning on picking it up so soon, but it was on sale so I got it for about half off. But I definitely think this would be a good library borrow

[@rinceyreads]

Have you not read any of his books yet?

[@BethKnight664]

I put this book on hold at my local library weeks ago and it finally came in today for me. I picked it up today and I'm excited to give it a try.

[@browngirlreading]

Haven't read any Neil Gaiman yet but probably won't start with this one. Thanks for the review!

[@rinceyreads]

aw thank you. I appreciate that :)

[@MsElskie]

Great review! I didn't enjoy it as much as you did, but I definitely agree on what you said. I'm going to pick up The Graveyard Book soon, because I do love his writing style.

[@nikosbookreviews]

I really loved this one, for me there was a sort of dual storytelling, I interpreted the mystical elements as being the invention of a child who didn't know how to deal with the dark things happening in his life (whereas the adult reader can clearly see what's happening in a different way than the child narrator expresses it).

[@nicoleisheretolearn]

I felt like it was slow to get into and a little aimless at first too (I think I was almost 60 pages in before I was like "Oh! Okay then..."). I also found it awkward at times that I was essentially reading a grown-ass man tell me a story in the voice of a child then occasionally stick in reminders that he was telling the tale as a 47 year old?? It doesn't seem to be a problem for most people, but I found a note to myself about how weird it was - particularly around chapter 6? Which I haven't revisited to be able to elaborate on what I meant exactly so I duno.. However at some point it just worked for me. I also gave it 4 stars on GR. I didn't find any of my issues with it to be too problematic, but I just didn't think it was quite on the same level as my other favourites? Close, though. ...Also I hope it's not creepy for me to be going through old videos, but I like looking through book reviews of books I've read/will read/vaguely know about to see what other people think about them...!

[@rinceyreads]

haha don't worry, it isn't creepy, lots of people watch my old videos, especially my reviews after they've read the book themselves :)

[@BrookeLee84]

Wonderful review, Rincey. This book really worked for me as an exploration of memory and the differences between childhood and adulthood. I loved that everything was left very open and vague - that added to the magic of the story. I can definitely see how readers could have wanted a little more, though. I know many readers of Gaiman have felt that way about several of his works.

[@chelscatterall]

I completely agree that this is a great starting point for Gaiman books! It was mine and I just finished Neverwhere and loved it. I am definitely going back for Coraline, The Graveyard Book, American Gods, Anansi Boys and Stardust soon :). I love that you mentioned all the wonders.. mythical, magical and mystery. It was a great place to start :). Loved this review.

[@rinceyreads]

Do you know where you are going to start?

[@MagicOfBooks]

Great review! I really need to get going on some Neil Gaiman. This one sounds pretty good.

[@rinceyreads]

Ah I'm glad to know I'm not alone either! :D

[@stardust1815]

The Hempstocks reminded me a bit of Mrs Whatsit, Mrs How, and Mrs Which from "A Wrinkle in Time". Did anyone else get that? (And no, I'm not accusing Gaiman of plagarising anything, it was just something I thought was interesting.

[@karmadone9390]

hey Rincey, m so impressed by theme of yr videos...it's really unique...u r doing great work keep it up

[@CharrFrears]

Great review again Rincey. I've seen this book in the store quite a few times and been tempted to pick it up, but the price has put me off for such a short book. I'm definitely intrigued by the sound of it though so maybe it's a library borrow for me :)

[@TheLitoverse]

Great review! Actually, I was in the same position as you (in terms of knowing Neil Gaiman's work), and I seemed to have the same hesitations about this particular book (e.g. wanting the book to be longer, needing a better reference point for the magic throughout the book, taking longer to get into the book). Glad to know I wasn't alone on this one!

[@rinceyreads]

I mean, I haven't read a lot of his adult work yet so I can't say, but there are so many people who love Nevermore and American Gods.

[@apriltiffany]

I read this last month, and it was the first Gaiman I've ever actually read despite him being on my to-read list for ages. He came to my mom's workplace for a reading/signing, but sadly it was employees only. I agree in that I wish the world building was a little better or something. I was also cringing and parts are really uncomfortable from an abuse perspective. Great review!

[@ducttapeprogrammer8080]

Just completed reading it yesterday. 😊

[@spacetubecleaner]

I've heard this story likened as a companion to The Graveyard Book (not officially of course). I've said it on another video, from what I've read of his work, Gaiman seems to make a better children's author. There is wonder and simplicity but nothing deeper than that. Thanks for the review!

[@browngirlreading]

I'm thinking Neverwhere.

[@saramanik5492]

pls give for abstract in the ocean at the end of the lane by Neil gaiman

[@rinceyreads]

pls do your own homework

[@MagicOfBooks]

Nope, haha! I hear nothing but good things about his writing. Just gotta find me a few to get going and then I'm all set.

[@rinceyreads]

*hides book from grabby hands*

[@SadieTeachesThings]

*grabby hands*