The Ocean at the End of the Lane

by Neil Gaiman
The Ocean at the End of the Lane cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3022
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781472200334
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-06-18
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

This is what he remembers, as he sits by the ocean at the end of the lane: A dead man on the back seat of the car, and warm milk at the farmhouse. An ancient little girl, and an old woman who saw the moon being made. A beautiful housekeeper with a monstrous smile. And dark forces woken that were best left undisturbed. They are memories hard to believe, waiting at the edges of things. The recollections of a man who thought he was lost but is now, perhaps, remembering a time when he was saved. Neil Gaiman's work is a feat of elegant sorcery, summoning both the powerlessness and wonder of childhood, and the complicated landscape of memory and forgetting. This book is a journey into the heart of imagination, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and the past comes alive in unexpected ways.

Reviews
Bong Bong Books · Bong Bong · 2024-11-18
Reflective 4.00

The reviewer finds the book remarkable for its treatment of memory and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Bong Bong appreciates how the novel uses memory as a narrative device, creating a story that feels both personal and universal. They highlight the book's ability to balance the magical with the mundane, making it a compelling read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a form of retrospective, with the adult narrator recalling memories from his childhood.

    It is a book that makes you think about how memories shape who we are.

    The way Gaiman weaves magic into the everyday is nothing short of remarkable.

Righter of Words · 2023-12-07
captivating 4.75

The novel explores the power of memories and childhood wonder, blending monsters and magic in a captivating tale.

The reviewer is captivated by the way Gaiman weaves a story about the profound impact of memories, both lost and found, on our lives. They appreciate the novel's exploration of childhood wonder and the blending of monsters and magic, creating a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful. The reviewer finds the story to be a powerful exploration of how our past shapes our present, making it a deeply moving read.

Quick quotes

    Gaiman weaves an astounding tale about how memories lost and found can shape our lives.

    About the power of childhood wonder, about monsters and magic.

    It is a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Literary Elephant · 2017-10-25
unexpected 4.00

The book is creepy in an unexpected way and ends up being more enjoyable than anticipated, especially for the season.

The reviewer initially had low expectations but found themselves thoroughly enjoying the book. They highlight its unexpected creepiness, which adds a unique and engaging layer to the story. The reviewer also mentions that the book's atmosphere makes it particularly suitable for certain times of the year, enhancing the overall reading experience. They appreciate the way the story unfolds, making it a memorable and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would.

    It's creepy in an unexpected way.

    The atmosphere of the book makes it particularly suitable for this time of year.

The Guardian · 2013-07-03
enchanting 4.50

The book satisfies the expectations of fairytale readers with its enchanting and satisfying narrative. It is a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

The reviewer highlights how this book masterfully meets the expectations of those who love fairytales, creating a story that is both enchanting and deeply satisfying. They appreciate the way it weaves a narrative that feels timeless and resonant, staying with the reader long after they have finished. The reviewer also notes the skillful use of familiar fairytale elements, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories with a touch of magic and mystery.

Quick quotes

    The Ocean at the End of the Lane arouses, and satisfies, the expectations of the skilled reader of fairytales, and stories which draw on the power of childhood wonder.

    It is a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

    Gaiman’s prose is as pure as a dream, as delicate as a spider’s web.

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