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Teodora 's Reviews > The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
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5/5 ⭐
Wow.
I don't even know what could I say more about this book than wow.
I have very little experience with Gaiman's books - I only read Coraline but loved it all the same.
There was a certain cosiness to the story.
Even though some really terrifying, nightmarish creatures were lurking around throughout the pages of the book, the general feeling I got from the whole story was exactly the same feeling a fluffy blanket and a steaming cup of tea give you.
I do believe that this was all because of the amazing narrative voice. It is obvious that Gaiman is a natural storyteller.
I loved the careful importance the writer gave to the books and the action of reading. The main character is a little lonely boy who loves his books and loves knowledge. Sad, if you think about it, but beautiful in its own way.
The fascination for mythology and folklore is craftily exposed here - some aspects are educational, some are hidden and only at some point visible through the whole turmoil of words and thoughts.
Look for small hints, it says.
Sometimes, things get deeper, like the ocean.
The beautiful manner of speech presented in this book hides some philosophical ideas behind it, some as old as time that leave you thinking a bit on them.
Sometimes, it feels like an introspection.
The title itself blends perfectly with the theme of the story and with the hidden, philosophical metaphors.
There was an ocean at the end of the lane, disguised in a simple, mundane pond. But that water held the secrets of the world between its shores. That water held all the pain in the world and no pain at all. It held everything.
And it was an ocean only in the eye of the beholder.
I honestly believe that was such an artistically pleasing, cosy and warm story to read. I loved every page of it!
"Can't drink the water from the sea, can you? Too salty. Like drinking life's blood."
Wow.
I don't even know what could I say more about this book than wow.
I have very little experience with Gaiman's books - I only read Coraline but loved it all the same.
There was a certain cosiness to the story.
Even though some really terrifying, nightmarish creatures were lurking around throughout the pages of the book, the general feeling I got from the whole story was exactly the same feeling a fluffy blanket and a steaming cup of tea give you.
I do believe that this was all because of the amazing narrative voice. It is obvious that Gaiman is a natural storyteller.
"I lay on the bed and lost myself in the stories. I liked that. Books were safer than other people anyway."
I loved the careful importance the writer gave to the books and the action of reading. The main character is a little lonely boy who loves his books and loves knowledge. Sad, if you think about it, but beautiful in its own way.
The fascination for mythology and folklore is craftily exposed here - some aspects are educational, some are hidden and only at some point visible through the whole turmoil of words and thoughts.
Look for small hints, it says.
Sometimes, things get deeper, like the ocean.
The beautiful manner of speech presented in this book hides some philosophical ideas behind it, some as old as time that leave you thinking a bit on them.
Sometimes, it feels like an introspection.
"If I looked inward I would see only infinite mirrors, staring into myself for eternity."
The title itself blends perfectly with the theme of the story and with the hidden, philosophical metaphors.
There was an ocean at the end of the lane, disguised in a simple, mundane pond. But that water held the secrets of the world between its shores. That water held all the pain in the world and no pain at all. It held everything.
And it was an ocean only in the eye of the beholder.
I honestly believe that was such an artistically pleasing, cosy and warm story to read. I loved every page of it!
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Reading Progress
February 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 25, 2020
– Shelved
February 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
fantasy
February 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
horror-thriller
February 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
on-app
October 1, 2020
– Shelved as:
soon-tbr
October 2, 2020
–
Started Reading
"
October 6, 2020
–
48.26%
"New idea of wild desire: to take a bath in front of a fireplace while drinking a cup of chicken soup. While raining outside."
page
125
October 6, 2020
– Shelved as:
favorites
October 6, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-11 of 11 (11 new)
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message 1:
by
Lesle
(new)
Dec 28, 2020 02:42AM
I have not read any of his novels sounds like one to start with!
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@Lesle Indeed! They are unique and the writing is beautiful! I hope you'll like it! 😊
I’m not sure why I keep putting this book off. I have read so many great reviews.
Lacey wrote: "I’m not sure why I keep putting this book off. I have read so many great reviews."It's a really good story! You should try it, I think it'll be worth it :)
Fabulous review, Teodora! Wasn't this book wonderful? So happy you loved it!
Debra wrote: "Fabulous review, Teodora! Wasn't this book wonderful? So happy you loved it!"Thank you, I really liked it! Such a good book :)
Loved this book. If it doesn't make you tear up, then you have no soul 😢
@Charles I agree, it was a beautiful and sad book
Well said. His hints of philosophy are sometimes a bit hard to see, but the writing style and metaphors were top notch. Such beautiful language yet simple! I listened to this book narrated by the himself and his intotation is so good it kept me on the edge of my seat sometimes at the spooky parts. No wonder Coraline (the movie) was such a mastepiece in collab with Tim Burton. Two peas in a pond! I'll have to re-read it as I was gifted the book too.
Geanina wrote: "Well said. His hints of philosophy are sometimes a bit hard to see, but the writing style and metaphors were top notch. Such beautiful language yet simple! I listened to this book narrated by the h..."Absolutely, indeed!!! And I bet he's a really good narrator too!
This is one of my favourite Gaiman's books. I recommend The Grave Yard Book and Neverwhere. They are both just as good and just as intriguing. :)
