Neverwhere

Neverwhere

• Genre: Fiction; urban fantasy
• Originally Published: 1996
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 760L; grades 9-12, college/adult
• Structure/Length: 20 chapters; approximately 388 pages; approximately 13 hours, 48 minutes on audio
• o  Protagonist/Central Conflict: Young businessman Richard Mayhew is drawn into a parallel universe in London, referred to as “London Below.” The central conflict revolves around Richard’s journey through this mysterious, dangerous underworld as he helps a young woman in her quest for revenge and tries to find his way back to his old life.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence; disturbing images; mild language; dark and potentially unsettling themes

Neil Gaiman, Author

• Bio: Born 1960; English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, nonfiction, audio theatre, and films; noted for his work in fantasy, horror, and science fiction; known for his distinctive storytelling and style; notable influence in literary postmodernism
• Other Works: Stardust (1999); American Gods (2001); Coraline (2002); Anansi Boys (2005); The Graveyard Book (2008)
• Awards: Nominated for the 1996 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Best Adult Book

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Sacrifice
• Betrayal Versus Trust
• Redemption

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Guide, students will:

• Deepen their knowledge of speculative fiction and Neil Gaiman’s style to contextualize the novel and paired texts.
• Discuss and analyze textual elements such as symbolism, allusion, characterization, and structure and construct essay responses tying these elements to the novel’s themes of Sacrifice, Betrayal Versus Trust, and Redemption.