89 pages • 2 hours read
The House in the Cerulean Sea
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
393
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Island • Contemporary
2020
Adult
14+ years
HL620L
Super Short Summary
In T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea, Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent on a secret assignment to evaluate an orphanage for magical children run by Arthur Parnassus. Initially wary, Linus gradually forms deep bonds with the children and Arthur, leading him to reconsider his life and advocate for the orphanage's future. Discussions of child abuse, body shaming, and forced institutionalization appear in this book.
Heartwarming
Fantastical
Serene
Humorous
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
768,905 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is widely praised for its heartwarming and whimsical narrative, rich character development, and themes of acceptance and self-discovery. Some critics mention a predictable plot and overt sentimentality, but overall, the book is celebrated as a feel-good, inclusive fantasy that resonates with readers of all ages.
Who Should Read The House in the Cerulean Sea?
Readers who cherish heartwarming, whimsical tales and moral introspection will enjoy T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea. Comparable to fans of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, this book blends fantasy with poignant, character-driven storytelling.
768,905 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arthur Parnassus
Arthur Parnassus
Arthur Parnassus runs the Marsyas Orphanage and plays a key role in shaping the narrative and developing other characters. He is gentle, caring, and believes in the potential for healing. Arthur creates a safe and loving environment for the children, working towards their emotional and spiritual healing while fostering their self-confidence.
393
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Island • Contemporary
2020
Adult
14+ years
HL620L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.