The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman

Book 47 of 2015

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by celebrated author Neil Gaiman was my first Gaiman read, despite hearing about his works for years. It’s an adult fiction novel, but I would argue that it would be a worthwhile read for a teen as well. In this story, Gaiman takes us on a literary trip of adventure, imagination, mystery and thought provocation. 

The harrowing tale focuses on a nameless, fifty-something male protagonist who revisits his childhood neighborhood in the UK. He visits his old neighbors home and is taken back to memories from his youth; memories that are both terrifying and magical. When the protagonist was seven, he was exposed to dark magic and was treated as a vector for a dark force trying to invade the world. His neighbors, the Hempstocks, help the young boy try to rid the evil force. The protagonist is startled by these surreal memories that have come flooding back to him.

Gaiman’s tone and writing are award-winning for a reason. I couldn’t put down The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and doubt you’ll be able to either. I will definitely be picking up another Gaiman book in the future.