The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
11 July 2012
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book
Just finished reading the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Before I put one more thing down I must firstly say that I adored this book and I think I now love Neil Gaiman. Not that I’m about to turn into a bunny boiler or start stalking him – no, I will love him from afar and show my love by reading all his books and annoying the hell out of everyone about how good they are! Simples. This man is brilliant. His writing is so damned easy to read and his imagination is unbelievable. Yet again I wonder what took me this long to pick up this book. For starters it’s based in a graveyard – and I actually like graveyards, I don’t know if that’s a bit creepy but there it is. It’s also based firmly in the land of make believe which I love to read about. I think to be honest I didn’t pick this up because it’s a children’s book. I haven’t got anything against children’s books, I’ve certainly read enough over the course of time, but sometimes they can be just too ‘young’ in the way they’re written. This book isn’t like that. The writing is a joy to read, the graveyard and the ghosts practically come off the page and, almost in the style of children’s animated films, there is definitely some more subtle adult humour and areas that I don’t think children would pick up on – for example Silas? So, in that respect it has something for a more rounded audience. Anyway, who am I kidding, I love Harry Potter and the Pullman Trilogy – and I’m pretty sure they’re children’s books!
Anyway, I’ve gotten ahead of myself. The Graveyard Book starts off with a heinous murder, almost an entire family killed in their home by a sinister and dark man. Only one survivor, a toddler, who unwittingly, and as a result of the curious nature of one that age, has crawled out the front door – which was oddly left open. This little child manages to toddle along to the local cemetery at the top of the hill and in doing so unwittingly finds a strange bunch of unlikely saviours. The ghosts of the cemetery come to his aid and grant him their protection and the freedom of the graveyard. However, although the ghosts who adopt him together with the strange darkly clad man who acts as his guardian, do their best to protect him – the murderer is still at large and won’t be happy until he’s finished the job! For the next few years this will be the boy’s home and henceforth he shall be called ‘Nobody’, Nobody Owens, although to his friends, family and readers he will become known simply as Bod.
Basically, this is a coming of age book and given that Gaiman, in his acknowledgements, praises Rudyard’s Jungle Book as one of his favourite childhood books the inevitable comparisons I suppose are to be expected. We basically have a young boy, homeless and without family being adopted and brought up in unconventional surroundings and with a family of a different nature. This is only a short book and so we only spend short paragraphs with Bod at various stages of his life but all of them are pertinent to the tale, all of them are really enjoyable and unfortunately – all of them end too soon! I think it’s great to see Bod as he moves through his childhood. He’s an inquisitive toddler, as he becomes a little older he loves his family and the wealth of friends he has in the cemetery, then he becomes a little more difficult to manage and quick to annoy as he moves into his teenage years until finally he has really outgrown the confines placed upon him. And, it’s at this point that things become a bit more dark and the murderer returns to the scene.
I really loved Bod. He’s such a great character. He’s innocent and he’s good and kind. He’s brought up in this totally strange environment but as it’s all he’s ever known it’s all perfectly natural to him. Gaiman also manages to introduce other characters who are great to read. We obviously have all the graveyard ghosts who we briefly touch upon including Bod’s adopted parents, The Owens. We even have a ghost dating back to Roman times and all of this gives Bod a rather more in depth knowledge of history than most people – a fact that becomes a little obvious when he joins school. We have the witch Eliza – who had a great time relating her own story, also the rather, at first, stern Miss Lupescu who occasionally stands in as Bod’s guardian and of course we have Silas – Bod’s full time guardian. Very mysterious and dark, a little sad but a great protector of Bod throughout the story.
On top of this there is just this wonderful array of short stories included in Bod’s growing up, for example the Chapter headed ‘The Hounds of God’ which brings to us the Ghouls Gate or the chapter in which Bod makes a new friend and introduces her to ‘the barrow’ or more to the point the mysterious creature that lives beneath!! I don’t want to give anything away here but even the Order that the murderer belongs to is such a great take.
Anyway, clearly I enjoyed this book very much. Throughout it put me in mind of so many enjoyable reading experiences whilst not actually appearing to be like any particular one. For example, the friendship between Bod and Scarlett for some reason brought Pip and Estelle to mind from Great Expectations. I also had thoughts of the Labyrinthe – not that the book is like that, or Great Expectations for that matter – just that it made me think back to those particular reads. I really enjoyed when the ghouls were travelling with Bod and carrying him and throwing him from ghoul to ghoul as they travelled – very reminiscent and a sort of homage to the scene in the film Jungle Book where Mowgli is being passed through the tree tops by the apes.
So, well written, funny, creepy and sometimes even a little sad. Good characters, a little bit hair raising (just in a couple of parts) and overall downright enjoyable. What’s not to love?
Read it.
The Graveyard Book
Ring by Koji Suzuki
Just finished reading Ring by Koji Suzuki, the novel that inspired the movies. I’m sure this novel needs very little introduction or plot outline but basically this is a story of a journalist who, when investigating the death of four young teenagers who all died under mysterious circumstances, becomes much more embroiled than he ever imagined or would have believed possible.
I really enjoyed this book, but, for those of you who’ve seen the film and are expecting a horror story – this isn’t it. This story is much more based on the investigation carried out by Asakawa, the journalist who becomes involved in uncovering the mystery surrounding the video tape that causes the death, within one week, of anyone who watches the content but fails to carry out the charm. It’s more pyschological thriller than horror.
What I particularly liked about the book was the style it was told in – which was very simple and unadorned. I would say it almost read like a journalistic report and perhaps that was the intention given Asakawa’s profession? I also liked the journey that we went on with Asakawa and the friend he enlists to help him with his race against time. Gradually each part of the mystery unfolds and we are given a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. I must admit that the explanation in the book is much better than the film and even the name of the book/film is given its true meaning and was one of those ‘ahh’ moments. The book then ends with a twist which I won’t elaborate on other than to say I thought it was a small moment of genius.
In terms of the characters, I didn’t particularly find either of them likable – but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The main character Asakawa is not a bad character in particular although I wouldn’t say he had anything redeeming about him or any particular endearing characteristic that would make you want to call him your friend. His friend Ryuji comes across as a particularly repugnant character – although for some reason he is more readable than his ‘best’ friend and at the end you’re given some food for thought that leaves you in doubt as to his true nature. I couldn’t help wondering why the characters in the film had been changed to females??
So, whilst I wouldn’t class this as a horror book I would say that if you liked the film you should give this a go – just for the sake of completeness. I think the plot and eventual conclusion are far superior to the film(s) and whilst I wouldn’t say it was a chilling read it was certainly intriguing enough to keep things moving very quickly onwards to the final outcome which I was really keen to reach.
In terms of criticisms – I don’t really have any particular criticism, I suppose I wouldn’t have minded a bit more of a creepy tale – but I think that’s based more on my expectations given the film and once I’d got over myself and realised that the book was going to be different I was able to enjoy the read much more.
If you were to ask whether I preferred the movie (the original) or the book – mmm, a bit of a struggle. Normally my immediate answer would be ‘the book’. Always (well, nearly always). However, in this particular instance I think the producers have made an excellent job of turning this story into something really sinister and to be honest, down right scary. But, I thought the explanation in the book was much more understandable and the motivations come across much better. So – split feelings on this one. I think I enjoyed both equally.
Thanks to Jason at Genkinahito for the recommendation.
Ring
The Reckoning by Alma Katsu
Just finished reading The Reckoning by Alma Katsu which continues the story of unrequited loved started in The Taker. Once again we are taken into Lanore’s world and given a taste of the immortal life she leads. I really enjoyed this book. As with the first book we have a subtle mix of the modern and the historic. The voice of Lanore is once again compelling and I must admit that I found myself liking her much more in this novel than in the first. I also really enjoy Katsu’s writing style. Her writing flows easily and appears to be effortless, which I’m quite sure isn’t the case.
At the start of this novel we immediately pick up with Lanore and Luke as they enjoy an evening out – only to be spoiled as Lanny is suddenly overcome with the absolute conviction that Adair is free! I’m not giving anything away by that little revellation as it is already mentioned on the jacket. Unfortunately in writing this review it will of course immediately give away spoilers for book one and to be honest I would advise anybody who wants to read this story to pick up The Taker first. So, don’t read on if you don’t want spoilers!
In this novel Adair manages to escape his incarceration and is hellbent on revenge. Revenge on the two people who entombed him after he had given them the gift of immortality, Jonathan and Lanny, but more so Lanny who he had also bestowed his love upon (albeit one of a bit of a twisted variety). Now we start a dance of sorts as Lanny and Adair try to outwit each other not helped in Adair’s case by having missed over 200 yearsof development which he now has to become familiar with. We once again come face to face with some of the other immortals who have over the years split apart and spread out in the world to lead lives without the tyranny of their former leader. As with the first novel we get to look back at past events, which I found really interesting and entertaining. We spend some more time with Adair and get to take a look at his earlier years and we get to travel back and look at some more of Lanny’s story once she became free of the tyranny of Adair.
I think that this novel definitely added more to the characters involved. Lanny showed a more compassionate side – putting other’s feelings before her own but the most surprising change is in the form of Adair (nothing more on that though). He really is quite a despicable character, in fact he’s brilliant in his cruel and arrogant behaviour. Don’t get me wrong, I can see he’s not very nice but I like reading a well formed bad sort of character.
We get a little bit more insight into the beginnings of the magic that helps to make the immortals. We explore the early start and we also delve a little bit into life after death.
What I was surprised about is that this is one of the few books about immortals where the grass doesn’t necessarily look greener on the other side of the fence. It’s not the sort of book that makes you think ‘what if’ or make you want to recreate and drink that sludgy looking portion to give you the secret of longevity. Things are definitely not as rosy as they seem when you get to live this long. You don’t have the opportunity to be a real part of a family, to have your own name, to watch your children growing older or to form any really meaningful friendships. Basically it’s a fairly lonely and secretive existence spent running from place to place to avoid recognition or unanswerable questions. Also, the characters that Adair chose to embrace, were all damaged in some respect due to their prior history and being immortal doesn’t improve that fact, they have years and years to dwell on their own errors and dream of redemption.
The only criticism I would level would be that although we visit a lot of different places in this story I don’t feel that any of them were particularly well drawn. If not for the headings at the start of various chapters telling you ‘Paris’ or ‘London’ , etc, I’m not sure that it would have been noticable. But, having said that I imagine the author was trying not to go into overly lengthy descriptions which would have bulked the book out and also distracted from the tale as it unfolds.
All in all a very enjoyable read. The only drawback is the long wait for the final instalment!
The Reckoning
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
Just finished reading Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
Good Omens is a story about the Apocalypse. The end of the world is, quite literally, nigh. In fact life as we currently know it will cease next week! At least that would be the case if a bunch of bungling satanic nuns hadn’t made a major faux pas when transferring the son of the anti-christ with that of a newly born child. I won’t elaborate further on the plot.
This book has a very generous helping of great characters but in particular Crowley and Aziraphale. Crowley is a fallen angel, put upon earth to tempt us humans into wrong doing – although in fairness he doesn’t seem to work terribly hard at it and seems to be of the opinion that we’re doing reasonably well unassisted. Aziraphale is an angel, trying to protect us from demons. These two characters have spent so long on earth that not only have they become ambivalent towards each other but they actually like the world just as it is and are not in any rush to see it’s demise. On top of these two we have the four riders of the apocalypse to contend with, a bunch of kids living in a small village and getting up to all sorts of antics a descendent of Agnes the Witch and a couple of witch hunters. Yes, the characters are very colourful and entertaining indeed.
I did like this book. I liked the setting, I liked the alternative take on the end of the world, the bungling demons and nuns and I thought the humour was brilliant. However, and I don’t really know why, I didn’t love it. And, I’m struggling to understand why. I do think it was very readable and would have no hesitation in recommending it to fans of both these authors but I think I probably wasn’t in the right mood – I’m more in the mood for dark and creepy fantasy at the moment. So, maybe I’ll revisit this again at a point in the future when I’m of a mind to have a good laugh. I could also put it down to the fact that my first Gaiman read was Neverwhere – which I was totally in love with so I probably went into this with that sort of expectation.
On the whole, Good Omens was a Good Read.
Good Omens
Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
Just finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. This book, and in fact the next two of the series, have been given to me by a friend. We share books quite often and when she brought these books in for me she was totally over the moon with them and couldn’t wait for me to read them. I must admit that I wasn’t really all that taken with the idea but as they seem to be taking the nation by storm (and seem to be quite literally sold out in most bookshops) I thought maybe I should give them a shot.
Well, to be honest, these books are not really for me. That being said I can understand why this series is proving so popular because it’s like reading some sort of female fantasy but personally, and I wouldn’t say that I’m prudish, there is just too much sex and too little story! What we have here is loosely based on the Twilight story (with a bit of Pretty Woman thrown in for good measure) but whilst Bella and Edward could barely share a kiss this has gone to the absolute other extreme and Christian and Ana seem to barely share a conversation (as they’re too busy going at it like a pair of rabbits). I mean, it’s not like I’ve never read a book with sex in it before but I just felt it was too much.
So, the characters, we have Christian. Who is apparently the most gorgeous man on the face of the planet. Women are rendered speechless in his presence, dumbstruck and with jaws dropped appropriately. Not only is he gorgeous but he’s successful and owns some sort of multi-million pound company. He’s powerful and a little bit intimidating but he’s absolutely bowled over by Ana – no obvious reason as to why – but he just is. But Christian is flawed by events in his past. He is unable to attach himself emotionally to anybody in fact he doesn’t even like to be touched and his sexual proclivity is to domineer! Of course Ana is completely innocent of such things being a very late developer to the whole area of sex – in fact, she’s a virgin (yes, a 21 year old, drop dead gorgeous virgin – stop scoffing, it can happen – look at that beautiful virgin living with her three fairy godmothers deep in a forest – see!!) So, whilst he’s not a vampire and Ana is in no immediate danger of having her blood drained, Christian is bad for her. He can’t give her the type of relationship she wants and she’s in danger of a good spanking at every turn.
The problem for me with this book comes in a few guises. Firstly, I don’t need this much explanation about sex – I have an imagination after all and I’m not afraid to use it so basically I got bored and found myself skimming. A lot. I just would have liked more story thrown in with the rampant sex. Secondly, you have this basically really successful guy who seems to never spend any time working – other than an odd phone call here and there. The majority of the book he spends flying around the country in pursuit of Ana or turning up in her bedroom because she’s sent him an email that he doesn’t understand (btw – stalker at all?)! Wtf is that about – I would love to know the secret of his success so that I can spend all my time flitting about the country and basically doing sweet fa. Thirdly, Ana and Christian are basically fairly young people but they read much older. They can’t get enough classical music and piano playing, the books they read are classics – lots of reference to Thomas Hardy, etc, etc, I mean, I pretty much like that sort of thing myself and I read and enjoyed a fair few classics when I was a teenager – but I also wasn’t shy about reading pulp and listening to music that my parents described as ‘that bloody racket’! Come on – these two are like twenty going on one hundre and twenty. There is, literally, nothing young about them. But, and fourthly, I think my biggest problem with the book is the relationship itself – it has it’s moments which are okay – but, mostly it’s just plain irritating. I find it difficult to believe that a modern young woman would be prepared to put up with such b/s just because a good looking guy shows her some attention. It’s not like he’s the only drop dead gorgeous one after all. I mean, he’s like totally bossy, tells her what to eat, chooses her clothes, tells her who she can see (alright, Edward was old fashioned but that was because he WAS OLD). She’s not allowed to drive her own car because it might be dangerous – she’s survived this long you big moron! He says ‘kneel on the floor’ and she just does it. Why? Just no. Sorry. In fact, I’m not sorry it was goddamn irritating and I couldn’t help thinking ‘for goodness sake woman, strap on a pair and tell this bossy f**ker to do one!’ But no, oh, he’s so gorgeous so I’ll just do whatever he says. Could you be any more shallow? And, if there was any more eye rolling or lip biting I think I would have vomited.
Okay, rant (and bad language) over! Like I said, I could see why women would maybe enjoy this novel, the very thought of this man who could basically choose anybody but wants Ana, etc, etc, (your basic dream come true) but I found it just too irritating and also a bit uncomfortable to read because it was like reading somebody’s fantasy – which all feels a bit too personal. Not judging anybody else for liking this but it’s not really my ideal book. I’ve heard this described as ‘mummy porn’ and I can see why. Also it’s described as Marmite – and again, I can understand that because opinion seems to be deeply divided between love and hate. Personally, I didn’t hate it. I certainly didn’t love it but it was entertaining and I have to hand it to the author for being able to make me blush!
Fifty Shades of Grey
