The Ocean at the end of the lane: Book review

 

Book review

 

Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Horror/Fantasy

 

Set in Sussex, England, The Ocean at the end of the lane chronicles the story of a middle aged man who returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. He visits the farm along the lane where he met and acquainted himself with an extraordinary girl named Lennie, her mother and grandmother. When he sits by the pool which Lennie used to call the ocean, he takes a trip down memory lane when he was a seven year old boy. 

 

His past comprises of an evil housekeeper, a man who committed suicide in a stolen car, being brutally punished by his dad and encounters with strange creatures. These bizarre happenings are dark and scary. Lennie’s ability to come to his rescue was the only saving grace. 

 

Narrated in first person from the point of view of the protagonist, the readers stay close to the character of the little boy throughout. Through his eyes, we are  transported to the setting of the eerie and desolated countryside, outlandish occurrences,  a world where people are complicated and not what they appear to be. But not everyone is necessarily evil.  

 

The author also gives a glimpse into the elements of human power and capabilities. The strength of the human mind has the ability to empower or destroy or shelter one from the dark forces. The narrator’s rapport with Lennie is one of the most endearing factors in the book. Another thing that will resonate with the readers is the aspect of being reminiscent of your childhood days and moments.

 

The Ocean at the end of the lane is an interesting read. Magical, haunting and stirring, it delves deep into the human psyche and powers.

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