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192
Novel • Fiction
Sussex, England • 1960s
2013
YA
12-18 years
In The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, a young boy accidentally brings an evil entity from another reality into his world and seeks help from three mysterious women to eliminate the threat. Depicting issues such as death by suicide, body horror, and violence, the book explores themes of memory, childhood, and the supernatural.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
684,939 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative storytelling, merging childhood wonder with dark, unsettling themes. Critics admire its depth and emotional resonance but note some uneven pacing. Overall, it's a haunting and imaginative tale that effectively explores memory and myth.
Readers who enjoy The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman typically appreciate dark, fantastical tales with a touch of nostalgia and psychological depth. Fans of Coraline by Neil Gaiman and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle will find this book's blend of magical realism and childhood wonder appealing.
684,939 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lettie Hempstock
A seemingly eternal girl, stuck at age 11, who befriends the narrator and guides him through extraordinary occurrences. Her actions significantly impact the boy's life.
Old Mrs. Hempstock
The wise, elderly matriarch of the Hempstock family, possessing immense power and knowledge. She is instrumental in shielding the narrator from otherworldly threats.
Ginnie Hempstock
Appearing as Lettie’s mother, she is nurturing and gentle, offering comfort to the narrator. She plays a part in aiding Lettie and Old Mrs. Hempstock.
Ursula Monkton
A beautiful and enchanting lodger who arrives to care for the narrator’s family, masking a more sinister nature. She becomes a central figure in the challenges faced by the narrator.
Hunger Birds
Mysterious, shadow-like entities from beyond the human world, whose presence signifies danger. They target those who disrupt the natural order.
The Father
The narrator’s sometimes harsh parent, whose normalcy contrasts with the bizarre events occurring around the boy. His actions highlight familial tensions.
Opal Miner
A troubled man whose tragic end catalyzes the story's supernatural elements. He represents misfortune that inadvertently sets off a chain of events.
Ocean
A magical kitten with a profound connection to the narrator, symbolizing the boy's bond with the mystical world of the Hempstocks and the depth of their influence.
192
Novel • Fiction
Sussex, England • 1960s
2013
YA
12-18 years
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