The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is such a wonderful author, I honestly don't think I can read anything by him and NOT like it, granted I've only read two, but I've loved them both.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is essentially a fairy tale for adults. It is a story told from the perspective of a 7 year old child (really, it's a man recalling some events he'd forgotten, hence why it's more of an adult tale). It is quite hard to explain what the story is about without spoiling it really, but the main focus is the Hempstock family. A family of three women who have a farm at the end of the lane. However, the Hempstocks are no ordinary family and our narrator recalls what exactly it is that made them extra ordinary.

The book is available in an audiobook format and is narrated by Neil Gaiman himself. I actually listened to most of the book and loved it. Neil Gaiman's narration really adds to the fairytale quality of the story, as if we were there listening to the main character tell us the story of his childhood, the monsters that plagued it, and the Hempstock women who lived at the end of the lane. I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading this book. I laughed and cried and was creeped out. I loved this book so much and I don't doubt I will come back and re-read it later on.

Rating: ★★★★★
Recommendation: The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and family. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Gaiman and loves fantasy.
Favorite Quote: "Nobody actually looks like what they really are on the inside.”