The Ocean at the End of the Lane

This is the first Neil Gaiman book I've read, and although I am familiar with his other works, I will say this is not a bad book. I find his ideas to be creative, and this book does feel like my childhood with make believe stories and wonder. I will also say this is not the best book, it's decent. I sometimes felt that the ideas were never concrete and solid, mentioned here and there, but never enough to have an entire grasp of it.

I tried to excuse it with it being told from the memory of the unnamed narrator, yet there were instances where it felt convenient that he could explain it or not at all. The ending in a way allows this excuse to be considered, as we see he does not remember times he was down the lane in his twenties and thirties. However, the narrator would give details about small things of his childhood that at times confused me.

I enjoyed the concept of the ocean and of the Hempstocks, I think having a sense of mystery with them makes sense because it was nicely balanced with what they do share of them. I would say they are what are reminiscent of childhood stories and remind me of the times when I would play with my toys. This book feels like a story you would make up as a child, I mean that in both a good and a bad way, it is a nice, light read and pretty easy to follow.