The Ocean at the End of the Lane

I want to dislike a book written by Neil Gaiman. I really want to. I don't want to become ignorant of other fine writers out there. Throughout this book, I was looking for things I didn't like.

No luck.

This book is as superb as anything else Gaiman has conjured up. It's small, and an ‘easy' read. But, as Neil has encouraged us, “Don't gulp it all down. Slow down. It's a slim book, and it's written in a deceptively easy to read style, but there's a lot going on in there and every word counts”

There are some amazingly complex concepts throughout this read. He plays with the ideals of truth between children and adults, constantly exposing the holes of bias we all carry around with us. The pain of time is also explored - so much so that you'll be struggling not to look back at your childhood, as journey through the pages, and wondering where is all started going in ‘the opposite direction'...when you stopped dreaming, and imagining, and wondering.

I can't wait to give this book a second read. Admittedly it's one of the first books I'bve really wanted to start reading again as soon as I finished it the first time through. Gaiman encourages such behaviour:

“And if you get to the end and you want more, start again: the second time through you may see things that weren't there the first time.”

Bravo once again, Mr. Gaiman.