The Ocean at the End of the Lane

4.5 a grim fairy tale as neil gaiman loves to write. i've read his american gods and enjoyed it, but this book definitely brought back more feelings and memories of reading the graveyard book as a kid. it's really fascinating how good he is at making a tale that is definitely for grown ups sound so much like it is a tale for a child. or by a kid. or both? i love how subtly the theme of memories and what we want or should remember was woven into it. and i'll say - it wasn't until the epilogue that the book really got to me. i really enjoyed it before that, but the epilogue was when it really hit. Spoilerthe image of the main character returning to the hempstock farm throughout his life to remember and find solace and courage to return home, and to forget again was just really beautiful to me.and, VERY important to mention: the illustrated version is absolutely gorgeous. i know everyone is raving about the audiobook because it's read by gaiman himself (and i can't say i'm not curious) but to hold this book in your hands and see the images spread out before you is an Experience as well.