Gaiman did a marvelous job creating a beautiful story and
legend in under 150 pages. The man is a marvel. The Hempstocks, especially
Lettie and Old Mrs. Hempstock, are extraordinary characters that made me feel
safe within the covers of the book. They’re comforting, friendly, wise, and trustworthy.
I wanted to walk into their kitchen and sit down for a meal. The story is rich,
but contained. Gaiman didn’t try to overdo the details or explain everything
about who or what the Hempstocks are. This left me both satisfied and craving
more. I wanted more about the women who police unknown creatures, yet lead an
unassuming life. Although I’m happy it wasn’t a Tolkein-esque novel, Gaiman
certainly has a story worthy of many more tales.
The author does a beautiful job of representing childhood in
his character and throughout the novel. The boy keeps to himself and is a book
fiend. Gaiman is a lover of stories and he alw
ays has superb portrayals of the impact of books. In this novel, it’s no different. The boy finds his escape, bravery, and ideas about how to be adventurous in his stories. All of the reading the boy does, along with being a child, helps him understand and deal with the world of the Hempstocks and the frightening world beyond the farmhouse.
ays has superb portrayals of the impact of books. In this novel, it’s no different. The boy finds his escape, bravery, and ideas about how to be adventurous in his stories. All of the reading the boy does, along with being a child, helps him understand and deal with the world of the Hempstocks and the frightening world beyond the farmhouse.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a book that will
stay with you. I enjoyed reading it and hope that Gaiman will write more about
the Hempstocks.
[Recently, I read Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book
and one of the ghosts is a witch with the last name Hempstock…]
If you enjoyed this novel try these others:
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly: A boy finds
refuge in his books after the loss of his mother, but soon his fairy tale world
starts becoming real and mirroring his real life.
Touch by Alexi Zentner: Sawgamet is a town filled
with legend and superstition. A man reflects on his childhood and the stories
his grandfather told him about the magical and mysterious logging town he
built.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury: Two
boys must save their town, when a mysterious man comes to town. Suddenly dark
secrets and wishes come to the surface and the boys learn you must be careful
what you wish for.
~Kristin M.
~Kristin M.
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