The Graveyard Book (urspr publ 2008; utgåvan 2010)

I read this with my six-year-old son and loved it. Part ghost story, part mystery, part coming-of-age tale, it's peacefully slow paced, a little creepy, and oddly gentle for the danger that suffuses it. My nine-year-old daughter's reading it now, and I'll look forward to reading it again on my own in the future. ( )

Per my usual response to Gaiman's books, I liked the parts more than the whole. I loved the characters and most of the story lines, but something just didn't work for me. I'm not sure I can put my finger on it, though. I want to absolutely love Gaimans' books, and usually come away feeling impressed, happy to have read it, but somehow not quite blown away. It may be the ecstatic book jacket blurbs; I just can't say this was the best book of the year.

I made this review much more negative than I'd intended. I liked the book and really loved the idea. I'm glad to have read it and will recommend it to other people. I think my expectations are too high for Gaiman and I keep coming away from his novels a bit let down.

Course evaluation:

Personal Response: I enjoyed this dark story about growing up and facing our greatest fears. Bod is a likable character and I wanted to see him succeed and find happiness. I also related to his hesitance of stepping outside of the graveyard, his home, in order to learn more about himself and the world.

Evaluation: Gaiman creates a detailed world, giving this story a setting that is believable yet grounded in fantasy. Just as Bod straddles the world of the living and dead, the story jumps between them with ease; neither world feels fake or forced in any way. The plot is suspenseful, dialogue realistic and appropriate for each character, and the characterization is well written. The story follows Bod from his infancy until he turns about 16; readers will relate to Bod’s emotions and frustrations at various ages. McKean’s few illustrations evoke the shadows of the graveyard, transparency of the ghosts, and dark elements of the plot. ( )

Stunningly beautiful. I’ve always loved graveyards. I used to walk through one every day where I grew up, and where I live now, the local cemetery is one of my favourite places to visit. I loved this idea of the lives coming together like a village, living forever. The story crafting is superb, Nobody is a character who really touches the reader’s heart, and everyone’s soul. ( )

Incrível! Uma pena ser tão curtinho. ( )

The audio version is so good, and so is the story. Really enjoyed it. ( )