The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, is a work of Neil Gaiman’s that instantly appeals to readers of the macabre and strange. The novel follows Nobody ‘Bod’ Owens through his experiences of living with a cohort of ghouls and ghosts within a cemetery. The Graveyard Book chronicles his life throughout the graveyard and the places in its vicinity, and was a novel that succeeded Gaiman’s 2002 novel Coraline, which was adapted for television just a year after the release of The Graveyard Book.
I did not enjoy this book at all. One of the most central reasons for this was that the novel wasn’t actually a novel at all, but rather a collection of short stories that occurred with Nobody throughout his life. I don’t know whether I had set my expectations too high when I purchased the book, but all hopes and aspirations were crumbled by uninteresting characters, bland dialogue and boring plot development.
One of the main reasons I feel I didn’t enjoy this book is the fact that I had extremely high expectations for it. Coraline, the novel written by the same author, continues to be my favourite film and novel–if not actual thin–on the planet, and though I had delved into Gaiman’s adult novels (American Gods, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) I had never felt the need to explore his young adult/children books. I highly doubt that I will ever be doing this again after the impression this novel left on me.
I also feel as though my reasons for disliking this novel stem back to its failed attempt at setting inspirations. Graveyards have always been a point of interest for me–their ominous feel, their fearful history–but I feel as though The Graveyard Book completely missed an opportunity to really develop and give backstory to the graveyard that Bod found himself in. I was rather annoyed that Gaiman had not given us more information on the beginnings of the graveyard, which was something I thought he (Gaiman) could’ve played with.
All in all, this book was a disappointment, and while I will say that it will not hinder my complete love for his early work, Gaiman may find that I will not be giving this novel complete praise if he ever comes to read this review (wishful thinking.)
If you’re a fan of the recent film version, Riggs’ debut novel is a must-read. His engaging writing transports you into his gothic and fantastical world, combining imagery and expression to make it difficult to put down. The voice of the protagonist, 16-year-old Jacob Portman, is full of personality and is relatable to anyone who …
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‘Escaping From Houdini’ once again chronicles the trials and tribulations of Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Creswell, who, after the events of ‘Hunting Prince Dracula’ arrive on board the RMS Etruria to make their journey to America. However, what initially begins as an opportunity to relax and unwind from the dreadful events at their castle …
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Book Review – The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
I did not enjoy this book at all. One of the most central reasons for this was that the novel wasn’t actually a novel at all, but rather a collection of short stories that occurred with Nobody throughout his life. I don’t know whether I had set my expectations too high when I purchased the book, but all hopes and aspirations were crumbled by uninteresting characters, bland dialogue and boring plot development.
One of the main reasons I feel I didn’t enjoy this book is the fact that I had extremely high expectations for it. Coraline, the novel written by the same author, continues to be my favourite film and novel–if not actual thin–on the planet, and though I had delved into Gaiman’s adult novels (American Gods, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) I had never felt the need to explore his young adult/children books. I highly doubt that I will ever be doing this again after the impression this novel left on me.
I also feel as though my reasons for disliking this novel stem back to its failed attempt at setting inspirations. Graveyards have always been a point of interest for me–their ominous feel, their fearful history–but I feel as though The Graveyard Book completely missed an opportunity to really develop and give backstory to the graveyard that Bod found himself in. I was rather annoyed that Gaiman had not given us more information on the beginnings of the graveyard, which was something I thought he (Gaiman) could’ve played with.
All in all, this book was a disappointment, and while I will say that it will not hinder my complete love for his early work, Gaiman may find that I will not be giving this novel complete praise if he ever comes to read this review (wishful thinking.)
Plot: 3/10
Characters: 5/10
Writing: 6/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10
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