Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... Coraline (original 2002; edition 2012)by Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (Illustrator)
Work InformationCoraline by Neil Gaiman (2002)
Best Fantasy Novels (98) » 53 more Female Protagonist (65) Magic Realism (65) Best Horror Books (74) Top Five Books of 2013 (507) Books Read in 2013 (69) Nebula Award (15) Best Gothic Fiction (66) Elevenses (143) Authors from England (28) Overdue Podcast (132) Books Read in 2009 (31) Movie Adaptations (73) Books About Girls (26) Books Read in 2021 (2,040) Books Read in 2023 (2,047) Books Read in 2016 (4,107) Books Read in 2020 (3,409) Newbery Adjacent (56) 4th Grade Books (34) Gateway Horror (9) Allie's Wishlist (23) Books tagged favorites (356) To Read - Horror (108) Favourite Books (1,751) Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.
Well, I’ll tell you one thing: Neil Gaiman knows how to tell an interesting story! ( ) This taps into the inquisitiveness that comes upon us whenever we find a locked or blocked up doorway - what;s behind that, where does that go. In Coraline's case, it goes into a parallel universe that looks a lot liker her own home, but is very different in nature. When she explores through the door for the first time she comes home to find her parents missing. They are in the mirror in the hallway, but where are the really? Coraline ventured back through the doorway and into the parallel world to find them. Along the way she finds other trapped individuals and a talking cat that helps her along the way. It's an inventive journey through to a parallel world. In a way, this kind of reminded me of [b: Skellig|24271|Skellig (Skellig, #1)|David Almond|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320460285s/24271.jpg|960] because they're both short novels about supernaturally mature children encountering supernatural strangers (though in Skellig the stranger isn't scary). It sort of seemed to me like the whole point of the book was to flesh out or illustrate the epigraph, which says something like, "Fairy tales are not important because they tell us dragons exist. They're important because they tell us dragons can be beaten." This is the second time I listened to this story, and it improved on the re-reading. Coraline has affectionate, but busy, parents who work from home, and on gray days when she has read all her books and played with all her toys and seen all the videos, and she is bored and restless, they won't leave off working to play with her. Also, her dad keeps making meals from recipes with gross things like spices and sauces. Then she discovers that she has an Other Mother in a mirror world behind a bricked up door, who will keep her endlessly entertained and spend time with her and make pizza for her. There's just one little thing... Coraline is a wonderful character, smart and brave and determined, but also with very human wants and weaknesses. But it is Gaiman's writing, and his voice on the audio, that makes this story special. It's a scary little kid's what-if story that adults can connect with, because we have those human wants and weaknesses, too. Audiobook, borrowed from my public library, read by the author. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman presents itself as an enthralling and swift journey through a narrative that effortlessly captivates the reader's imagination. Having previously experienced the cinematic adaptation, I approached the book with a sense of familiarity, only to find the original text surpassing its screen counterpart in depth and engagement. Gaiman masterfully portrays a world that, through the lens of childhood innocence, transforms what might be considered horror for an adult into a fantastical and eerie adventure. The book's strength lies in Gaiman's distinctive writing style, which skillfully balances the eerie with the whimsical. His descriptions are meticulously crafted, allowing readers to vividly imagine the unfolding scenes while maintaining a light-hearted tone that occasionally elicits a chuckle. This blend of horror and humor is a testament to Gaiman's prowess as a storyteller. While some plot elements tread the path of predictability, a common occurrence in storytelling, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. Instead, they provide a familiar structure within which the more unique aspects of the story can shine. Gaiman's talent in creating a world that is both fantastical and relatable is evident, making "Coraline" a delightful read for both young adults and those who are young at heart. "Coraline" is a commendable work that showcases Neil Gaiman's unique ability to weave a tale that is as enchanting as it is unsettling. It comes highly recommended for readers seeking a story that combines the thrill of a ghostly tale with the innocence of a child's perspective.
A modern ghost story with all the creepy trimmings... Well done. Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out. Belongs to Publisher SeriesIs contained inHas the adaptationIs abridged inInspiredAwardsDistinctionsNotable Lists
Looking for excitement, Coraline ventures through a mysterious door into a world that is similar, yet disturbingly different from her own, where she must challenge a gruesome entity in order to save herself, her parents, and the souls of three others. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsLyra's Press Announces "Coraline" in Fine Press Forum Popular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.914Literature English & Old English literatures English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |