The Ocean at the End of the Lane

This was the first book I read by Neil Gaiman. The first time I picked it up, I couldn't stand the juvenile nature. But then I came to the conclusion that the narrator is a 7 year old, so I should give it another chance. I'm glad I did.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a beautifully written, extremely imaginative story about a little boy who happens upon very interesting circumstances surrounding his neighbors down the lane. He is a very lonely boy who becomes friends with Letty, and his life suddenly becomes filled with somewhat scary circumstances, but mostly adventure.

Unlike some other reviews I've read, I would not consider this a thriller/horror story. The level of horror is equal to that of the wicked witch in Snow White. It's just the typical villain vs. magic that would be suitable for children to read.

After I finished reading this book, I really considered it a children's book (minus the one adults kissing/taking clothes off scene), but then I realized that it is written to portray the overall theme of adults learning to embrace their inner child and live life more open minded.

This book is very nostalgic, making you recall your own childhood and how so many circumstances seem larger than life. It makes you remember the magic of every day life. It is full of magical creatures: a flea/villain who travels by wormhole in a foot, varmints who are birds that keep the world “clean”, fabric that comes to life, women who never age, an ocean that teaches you the secrets of life. It is simple, short, and sweet. The ending leaves you wondering what really happened (by way of saying that everyone remembers differently).

The theme of how memories change throughout your life is what really stuck out to me. This book really does make you reflect on memories and takes you back to a perhaps simpler but at the same time extremely complicated thoughts that surround childhood. I find myself longing to do something childish and adventurous like making a fort, or going to mine and my brother and sister's “canyon” - which if I every went back to, I'm sure would end up being a 4 foot deep trench.

I'm not sure if I would read this book again, but Neil Gaiman is one of the most imaginative writers that I have read recently. I will definitely give some of his other books a try.

See other reviews at Great Minds Read Alike.