The Ocean at the End of the Lane

I really enjoyed this adult fairy tale by Neil Gaiman. It's a compelling story that draws you in, and hold you until the very end (which isn't that long). If you're into mystical realism/fantasy, you'll love this novel.

Our unnamed narrator is approaching 50 when he returns to his hometown for his father's funeral. Finding himself with time on his hands, he returns to the place he grew up - though the house is long gone - and finds himself at the big farmhouse at the end of the lane, where his friend Lettie lived. He sits on a bench overlooking the pond, and thinks back to when he was seven-years-old, and the series of intriguing, scary, and fantastical events that took place.

This is a fairy tale, but it's not for kids. It's dark, and scary at times, and explores themes of loss and betrayal and memory. A really great read that I just couldn't put down. I'll definitely look for more of Gaiman's work.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane