The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Julie Nutt, Reference Assistant
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Suggested age: Tween, Teen, Adult
What is this book about? Nobody Owens, despite his name, is no regular boy. After the brutal murder of his family, the clever infant escapes harm by finding his way to a graveyard. Like the boy, this is no regular graveyard. Growing up, raised and protected by ghosts, Nobody (or “Bod”) is still not safe from the danger that lurks outside the stone walls. Not only is his family’s killer still out there, Bod may not be prepared for life in the real world.
My review: This is one of my favorite books of all time! Many readers may be familiar with author Neil Gaiman because of the Amazon series Good Omens (which, by the way, started season 2 on July 28!), or the much darker Sandman graphic novels. A far cry from Sandman, The Graveyard Book is the winner of the Newbery, Carnegie, Hugo and Audie Awards for children’s literature. The bold, sharp illustration of the graphic novel version by award-winner P. Craig Russell is in stark contrast to Dave McKean’s (another award-winner) flowing pen and ink. I feel that McKean’s illustrations are more fitting to the ghostly, misty England setting. Bod’s friendships, both human and paranormal, represent selflessness, respect, the importance of community, the power to change, and the challenges of growing up.
Three words that describe this book: magical, frightening, dream-like
Give this a try if you like: Coraline by Neil Gaiman (book or movie); paranormal fiction; authors Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, Ursula LeGuin
Rating: 5/5
