I finished my latest reading last night. I had been reading Neil Gaiman's novel, Neverwhere. First of all, I have to say that as a story, this novel was well done and enjoyable to a great degree. There were a few unanswered questions, though in a story this rich in fantasy, there's bound to be a few. More than anything, I was impressed with Gaiman's use of language and mastery of words. I am hard pressed to name another modern author who could stand toe to toe with Gaiman in the craft of writing. I cannot begin to tell you how excellent his descriptions were and how the metaphors and allusions were utterly powerful and beautiful.
I'd rather not go into specifics of the story itself, to avoid spoiling it for anyone interested in reading, so I'll just leave you with this:
Check it out, buy it, rent it, borrow it, READ IT. As a writer, I was blown away with examples of how to better hone my skills. As a reader, I was taken on an incredible journey through a fantasy world nearly missing from my life since my childhood days of hiding from monsters in my closet.
For the record, I was so impressed by his writing, I've decided to begin another book by Gaiman called American Gods. That is very rare for me to do. I typically will not go looking for other books by an author just because I liked a single book written by them. Maybe this is a testament to how well received Neverwhere was with me.
13 comments:
How strange - I was adding movies to my Roku/Netflix box last night and this one popped up as a recommendation. I'm not familiar with Neil's adult works, but I love his children's books, so I added it to the list to watch later.
Now I'm thinking I may need to read the book first so the movie doesn't spoil it for me.
Yeah, I am positive that any movie will be extremely disappointing compared to the novel. It's the writing itself that is incredible. The story is good, but when you start to read how he writes, you'll see what I mean.
I need to give his actual writing a chance-I haven't yet because I have been soured on any movie that was tied to him, whether based on his books or those he had a hand in the screenplays with.
I have a copy of American Gods, but on your recomendation I think I would rather start with Neverwhere.
Interesting recommendation. I'm not a big fantasy reader, but I'm branching out. I'm even going to read my first chic-lit soon- the thought of which makes me cringe a little. But I might enjoy it!
never heard of it! I'll have to check it out!
David: Yes, please disregard whatever you've seen up till now about him. I'm very confident you'll find so much to appreciate about his writing, even if the story doesn't appeal to you (and I'd be surprised if you didn't enjoy the story)
Stephanie: Branching out is good. It'll help you as a writer and just give you a new perspective on some things! Careful with the chic-lit, that stuff's addicting from what I see lol.
Tamara: I stand by what I said, I think any writer would appreciate what they find in that book.
I've heard this is an amazing book and one that has been heavily talked about lately.
Thanks for reinforcing the interest in this book.
And nice to see you back from your cruise!
Thanks Cat! I'm glad to be back and I was bummed for a bit, becuase I left this book at home by mistake, when I only had like 3 chapters left to read... So I had to wait to finish it until I got back LOL.
Yeah you roughed it.. Beach, Food, entertainment,nothing to do at all..
I've read several of Gaiman's books as well as the Sandman Chronicles, and Neverwhere is definitely my favorite. Just a warning--I personally didn't like American Gods, but a lot of people do.
Anansi Boys and Stardust are my next 2 favorites, and you may be familiar with Coraline, though it's more of a MG book.
His short stories are incredible. Check out Smoke and Mirrors.
Oh, and the Neverwhere miniseries? Don't do it! Just...don't.
It's on my bookshelf. In my 'to read very soon!' pile :D
Summer: Wow, sounds like you are more than familiar with this author. I was taking a shot in the dark choosing American God's as the next novel to try, but Anansi Boys' book cover turned me away from it LOL... Yes, I judge some books by their covers :P
Sophie: Woot! I'm sure you'll enjoy it, whether it be the story itself or the writing. Either way.
I have to admit it, but I've never read a book by Neil Gaiman. I feel like I might be ousted from the writing community just for saying that out loud.
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