Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Neverwhere
Book Review: A surrealist work to rival all others...
Summary: 5 Stars
I originally became involved in Neil Gaiman's fantastical, deeply provoking writings because of a friend, who was completely obsessed with his "Sandman" series, and his work with Terry Pratchett on "Good Omens". This was the first solo Neil Gaiman novel I read, and might (possibly) remain my favorite to date. (But then again, how can one choose?) Quite simply put, it is a masterwork of dark, "urban" fantasy, in a world with so many mysterious layers that to read it again and again is like peeling the skins off of a never-ending onion: you see a new layer each time.The three primary complaints I've heard about this book is: 1.) It is too morbid and dark. 2.) The characters are never fully developed, and so many are mentioned just "in passing" for no apparent reason. 3.) Gaiman can't get his "point" across. To be fully prepared for this book, you have to realize three points: Yes, it is very morbid and dark, but in such a fascinating, occasionally humourous way that it does not make you revile it. Be prepared for some seriously disturbing imagery, but this only adds to the story. Secondly, the characters are indeed deeply developed, but do not go in expecting your usual "bad guy" vs. "good guy" arrangement. The main character, Richard is above all (and here is Gaiman's most brilliant stroke), only a human, with weaknesses and strengths that are so realistic that you feel you know Richard like your best friend. By far the most realistic "human" portrayal I've ever read, and that's saying something! Also, all the characters have their "dark" and "light" sides. The nature of humans everywhere remains the same. The many characters mentioned only in passing stir up curiousity and a feeling that the world of London Below goes much deeper than just what Mr. Gaiman reveals to us, something that is "passing rare and wonderous" in a book these days.
So, you think Gaiman can't get his "point" across, eh? Well, be prepared for a book in which the author is not TRYING to get a "point" across, thank God. He's not trying to instill you with his own morals, or a sense of "justice" or make the world seem "black and white". For once, (and this is deeply refreshing indeed), a writer is telling a novel not as an allegory, not to inspire great deeds of heroism, but for the simple sake that his head would most likely explode out of sheer creative energy if he didn't. For the pleasure of telling a tale. This is not a book that you will put down, determined to good in the world. This a book you will never put down at all, for once you have read it inevitably images and scenes will spring into your mind at the slightest provocation. Neil Gaiman is the Salvador Dali of fiction, taking our own world and twisting and shaping and molding it into such a darkly beautiful thing it will haunt you for the rest of your life. The only things I can compare it to are not other works of fiction, but other works of art entirely: the paintings of Salvador Dali. The music of Blue Man Group. The performances and costumes of the Cirque du Soleil. A brilliant canvas of a novel to inspire and delight readers of all ages, and to come back to every time you feel the need for a little shadow in your life.
Book Review: A tale of two cities
Summary: 4 Stars
Daydream a world where everything is as it seems and nothing bears safety. You've just imagined 'Neverwhere', the haunting, volatile Gaea that exists in the belly of London.In Gaiman's first novel, London is separated into two cities, the popular, familiar London Above and the dark, forboding London Below.
Richard Mayhew is the man stuck in the middle, twisted reality and fantasy slipping between his fingers. Before he can assume his life above, he must assume it below.
The novel introduces us to multitudes of space and characters that are still fresh in mind after the last page is finished.
Book Review: A tired plot badly written.
Summary: 2 Stars
Take Douglas Adams and Clive Barker, put them in a blender on low speed and sieve the remaining sludge through a filter which extracts talent and originality - and you have "Neverwhere." Reading this book reminded me how glad I was that I had long past burned the fiction I had produced in high school. I gave this book 2 stars rather than the signle one I was tempted due to the one sentence gems of literary promise which emerged from the muck every three pages or so. There is scattered evidence that Gaiman can write, however he has a lot of work ahead of him if he wishes to produce a novel worthy of the paper it's printed on. The amount of people giving this book five stars is frightening, and I suspect these readers need the same type of exposure to well honed literature (the kind without pictures) as Gaiman himself.Book Review: A truly great story
Summary: 5 Stars
Neverwhere is one of the most entertaining novels I've read in quite some time. Neil Gaiman is, as Stephen King attests, a "treasure house of story" and he is firing on all cylinders here. The characterization is consistently strong and well-developed. The action proceeds at a breakneck pace and the depth of imagination on display is at times astounding. It's a darkly wonderful journey and one that disappoints only in the sense that it has to end. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes to read.Book Review: A wonderful tale of losing and finding oneself
Summary: 5 Stars
Neverwhere is another masterpiece by Neil Gaiman, who takes the reader and shows him just how deep down the rabbit hole goes. For the main character, Richard Mayhew, his trip to London Under is a confusing and harrowing journey that nearly ends his life on a matter of occasions, but for the reader it is a magical journey that explains those little things that we just catch in the corner of our eyes on dark nights.
This book has it all: humor, drama, comedy and even some horror. Throw in the villian and some betrayals and you have a rollercoaster of a good time. Highly recommended!