The Graveyard Book is the tale of a young boy, Nobody Owens, who is the lone survivor of the night his family was murdered. Bod - his nickname - comes under the protection of the denizens of a local graveyard. Each chapter is a tale in young Bod's life, coming a few years apart as he grows into a young man. We meet the ghosts - and other dark characters - he knows as his family and friends. And we see the return of the man who killed his family and who still wants to finish the job with young Bod.
I went into this story knowing nothing about it and finished it in love with the characters and setting. Gaiman has created a magical little world that you will want to visit again and again. Bod is a real little boy, growing and making mistakes along the way, even with help from the supernatural. And his family and friends are unique and mysterious. And the graveyard itself seems like an amazing place to grow up in and explore
A great book, highly recommended to one and all, it has one the Newbery Medal, the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Carnegie Medal, among other accolades. Let Gaiman himself tell you about it:
A big screen adaptation is apparently in the works, with Academy Award-winning Neil Jordan set as director. Hopefully they capture the magic of this wonderful tale.
Thanks for the review! I'm going to check it out...
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. I have enjoyed Gaiman's other books. Will check it out.
ReplyDeleteGaiman's the shiz-nit.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad you posted on this. I have looked at that book several times while at the bookstore. Each time, it looked just like something I'd like and I tried to get my daughter to get it, but there were always other books that she wanted more and it got left behind. But now reading this, I just know it is one that I will love myself, regardless if she wants it or not. And it sounds perhaps like a good one to read together this month also. Either way, I will go forth and add this to my collection. Thanks! :o)
ReplyDeleteI had heard about this book but it kinda passed by my more intense radar. I am glad you did this post because now I will actively seak it out. Big fan of Gaiman's work. I find that his genius is writing smart fantasy, accessible fantasy for everyone. He has a respect for his audience in a way that Grant Morrison will never be able to deliver. And Gaiman knows how to created characters that live and breath from the page. It's why is Death is not one to be feared but embraced.
ReplyDeleteI am a complete fan boy when it comes to Neil's work. But that aside this is a great book, I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure and a little imagination.
ReplyDeleteCheers!