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The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sussex, England • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.2

684,939 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ocean at the End of the Lane?

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.

4.2

684,939 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

The Narrator/Young Boy

An unnamed boy of seven who enjoys reading and music, embarking on a surreal adventure with a family from his childhood neighborhood. He seeks to understand events that changed him fundamentally.

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.

The wise, elderly matriarch of the Hempstock family, possessing immense power and knowledge. She is instrumental in shielding the narrator from otherworldly threats.

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.

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.

Mysterious, shadow-like entities from beyond the human world, whose presence signifies danger. They target those who disrupt the natural order.

The narrator’s sometimes harsh parent, whose normalcy contrasts with the bizarre events occurring around the boy. His actions highlight familial tensions.

A troubled man whose tragic end catalyzes the story's supernatural elements. He represents misfortune that inadvertently sets off a chain of events.

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.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sussex, England • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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