It’s been nearly three months since I read The Graveyard Book and I still can’t find the words to write about it. No words, that is, except, “AWESOME” and “AMAZING” and other such superlatives.
After reading and reviewing only two of Gaiman’s works, I already feel like a broken record. “This is a must-read!” I want to say. “Unmissable and unputdownable!”
Haven’t I said these words before, though?
Anyone who’s known me for more than two minutes knows that I’m a Gaiman fan. I’m of the firm belief that he can do no wrong, and every book I read just strengthens that belief in my mind.
The Graveyard Book, obviously, is no different (did you even think otherwise?)
I’m afraid I won’t do justice to this masterpiece with my measly review.
Am I even qualified to review such a book?
But I digress.
I'll talk a bit about the book, shall I?
Blurb
Based on The Jungle Book, which is apparently one of Gaiman’s favourites, The Graveyard Book follows a toddler, who wanders into a graveyard, not knowing his parents have been killed by a mysterious man.
The resident ghosts of said graveyard adopt him when they realise that the man wants to kill the child, too. They name him Nobody. Bod for short. They raise him as their own in the graveyard for years, teaching him their ways and protecting him from the man who’s still looking for him.
But he needs to go out into the world eventually, and the dangers from all the supernatural creatures lurking in the graveyard don’t hold a candle to the man who failed to murder him.
My thoughts (are they even necessary?)
The book is dark, but not overly so. It’s mostly very fun.
Gaiman has breathed life into the ghosts of a graveyard (ironic, no?), giving them all distinct, quirky personalities. His adoptive ghost “parents”, the ghostly friends he’s made, the ghosts who don’t particularly like him but still tolerate his presence…the witches and the ghouls and everyone else has been developed to perfection.
The vivid imagery and the beautiful illustrations by Chris Ridell had me picturing all the ghosts and the other supernaturals in the graveyard. The only one I could picture at all was Silas, Bod’s mysterious guardian, who was neither ghost nor human. But somehow, he was the one I felt closest to. His relationship with Bod was so wholesome!
And now look at me – I’m gushing.
I’ve been reduced into an incoherent mess by this book; mostly because I feel like no words I say will do it justice.
So, well, I’ll cease my gushing and hope that my words have convinced you to give it a try.
If you loved Jungle Book as a kid, The Graveyard Book will give you a tangential walk down the memory lane (there are a lot of similarities). If you’ve never read or watched or heard the story of Jungle Book, well, it doesn’t matter! Read this book, that's all I'll say...
It’s awesome.
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