The House in the Cerulean Sea

5 stars — Oh, wow. It's been some time since a book has made me so full of feelings- like I feel like crying and sobbing. Not because this book is sad, not at all, but more because this is such a beautiful novel.

One of the author reviews describes this book as ‘wrapped up in a big gay blanket'. I've never seen a more apt description of a book. The story is about Linus Baker. He's an everyman, with a good office job and getting older by the minute. He's content with his life, or so he says, but for a job assignment he sent to inspect a magical orphanage (think like an Ofsted worker).

I really like characters like Linus. He reminds me of Bilbo Baggins or Arthur Dent. Those characters who are content with their lives, are a tad pompous and set in their ways, but against their wishes are sent on magical journeys. Linus learns a lot. The character development is rife, all of the characters here grow and develop. It's beautiful to watch.

It's very much a book of being ‘different' but learning to cherish differences and who you are. I think it's interesting that the most common criticism with this book is that it's actually too wholesome. It is, but that's why I love it, so much happiness and comedic moments. It tackles discrimination and has a message of embracing difference. It is a simple message at it's core, but turned into a wonderfully cozy story.

Oh gosh, I don't know what is left to say, this is 5/5, on the favourites list for me. There are times that I laughed out loud- Linus character is endearing but also downright funny (reminds me a little of my own dad). The children are wonderful and the development of every character makes my heart warm. The magical creatures are wonderful. The queer relationships was a beautiful touch. All in, love this book so much, literally made me sob and all emotional at the end.
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(And in terms of the controversy with the Sixties Scoop. It's not a good thing. But I don't think it's enough to purely hate this book- this book is trying to promote good values and it's clear it had a very surface level impact on the story. But despite this, I think there is a more nuanced conversation needed around the topic and its fair to make criticism.)