The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Gaiman is one of those authors that I've always been aware of, just never dove into. I picked this one up for cheap and wasn't disappointed in it.

There's something to be said for writing interesting, fantastical stories but keeping them grounded. Although this book hints at a large, expansive universe full of fantastical creatures, realms and planes of existence, it never leaves the protagonist's neighborhood.

When crafting a story like this, sometimes it's appreciated to keep it simple and contained. There are only a handful of characters and locations, helping to blur the line between childhood fantasies and the remarkable.

Having returned home for a funeral, the narrator recounts the house down the lane, the pond that was an ocean and the girl, Lettie, who held his hand to help ward off the evil that sought to upset his small world. It's a pleasant read that flows smoothly and paints a vivid picture.