The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.00 You Save: $16.99 (94%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Graveyard Book
Book Review: An interesting book full of imagination and adventure.
Summary: 4 Stars
When Bod's (short for Nobody) family are killed by the man Jack, he is taken in by a family of ghosts in a graveyard, which becomes his home. But Jack and his evil organization are still after Bod, and he has to keep himself protected, and maybe even overcome the men Jack.
Neil Gaiman puts lots of imagination into this fun read, and you won't want to put it down. -- Elaina
Book Review: Another Gaiman Delight mixing humor, creepiness, fantasy, horror, and humanity
Summary: 5 Stars
What a fun read. It kept me up 'til 7 in the morning yesterday, and I do not regret it a bit.
The story of Nobody Owens--his adopted name, as this is a wee human child spared the murderous spree of a dreadful assasin, then taken in by a cemetery full of ghosts from assorted centuries, and guarded by them because the assasin has not given up the quest to kill him--is unputdownable. Every adventure as he grows from toddler to teenager mixes wonders and frights and humor. It's just such fun to see him learn ghostly ways and interact with humans and nonhumans.
There's so much to recommend in the story (and my fellow reviewers cover plenty, so I need not repeat it), but I agree that the trip into the world of the ghouls was a wild ride. I have to give props to Gaiman for the total magic that he infused into the chapter on the Danse Macabre. It would have been a terrific short story--that strange, strange day--but it worked wonderfully in the tale, showing us clearly a thing or two about Nobody and his mysterious, powerful Guardian, Silas. (His particular fantasy niche, while never said specifically in so many words is , nevertheless, no great riddle.)
The near-end brings Nobody into confrontation with the horrible killer, and Nobody comes into his own, but it costs him. It's a well-crafted ending that is inevitable given all Nobody's learned as the story progressed. If you don't figure it out pretty well in advance, you werent' paying attention.
The bittersweet--but natural and fitting-- ending made me sad as I closed the book. It feels complete, yes, but I so want to see more written on Nobody Owens. I have no idea if Mr. Gaiman has planned another or several more novels with this character, but I can say that I would very much like to read more on Nobody and Silas.
I should add that there are illustrations scattered throughout, however, I'm not a particular fan of all the included art. I normally really enjoy McKean's partnering with Mr. Gaiman, but several of the illustrations just left me unimpressed. Though, honestly, I was so wrapped up in the tale, I didn't give them that much of a lingering look. So, the fault may lie more with my impatience to read.
A wonderful story. If you enjoyed the award-winning CORALINE, you're in for a treat. This one's better.
Thanks, Mr. G.
Mir
UPDATE Jan 26, 2009: This book just won Gaiman the prestigious Newbery Medal!
Book Review: Another Gaiman classic
Summary: 5 Stars
The Graveyard book is a delightful combination of humor, horror, love, fear, joy, sorrow, magic, mystery and adventure. The scenes are painted with a eerie yet delightful brush that only Gaiman can bring to his novels. Nearly every chapter is set up like it's own independent story, making it easy to read at all education levels. The tales of Nobody Owens, his guardian Silas and all the colorful, yet dead, characters of the graveyard has really stayed with me. I find myself constantly remembering pieces of this book from time to time. Only an excellent novel has that kind of staying power-tugging at your heartstrings and warming you throughout-but Gaiman throws in a little bit of chill, just for good measure. Fabulous fantasy-I can't wait for his next book!Book Review: Another Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Witty, original and very well written. Excellent read for all ages. Well, not my 2 year old.Book Review: Another Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Like all of Gaiman's work, I am not sure who the intended audience is for this piece. The story will delight younger readers while the depth fascinates older. Not your typical coming of age story and a lovely tribute to Kipling and "The Jungle Book.