Book Review: Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Title: Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fairy tale, Horror fiction, Children’s literature, Fantasy

About the Author: Neil Gaiman is an English author who writes short fiction, graphic novels, comic books and non-fiction. He writes for films as well. His preferred genre is mostly dark fantasy with a tinge of comedy.

About the Book: The book is about a girl named “Coraline.” She has recently shifted to a new place with her parents. Her house is divided into some parts where other people also live.

One day, Coraline feels little bored and starts to explore her house. She finds a big door in her drawing room. She opens it and enter into another part of the house where she finds two people who are exact replica of her parents. They claim that they are her other mother and father. Even she finds the replica of her neighbours. This world although looks marvelous, but it is spooky and strange. Coraline also finds a cat who becomes her companion.

When she returns to her home, she cannot find her parents. She have to go back to the other side. What happens afterwards? Could she find her parents? Who were the other mother and father? All these things are explored in this book.

My Take: This was my first book by Neil Gaiman. And, I really loved his writing. This book is basically a children’s book, but I enjoyed it a lot. It took me back to my childhood and gave “Alice in Wonderland” kind of vibes.

The story is written in a very simple manner and the write has focused on even minute details. The strange world created inside the book was amazing.

And the character of Coraline is so wonderful. She is so young and yet she is very courageous. The way she handles everything is amazing. She is also very sensible. Loved this quote by her:

I don’t want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted just like that, and it didn’t mean anything? What then?

Also, brown points for the illustrations. These illustrations made my imaginations more clear. Even the author’s note in the end is worth-reading. He has talked about why he has written this book and from where he has got the ideas that he has included in the book.

I am scared of cats and do not like them. But in this book, I loved the cat. It was so witty. I loved this part so much when the cat met Coraline for the very first time.

“What’s your name,’ Coraline asked the cat. ‘Look, I’m Coraline. Okay?’
‘Cats don’t have names,’ it said.
‘No?’ said Coraline.
‘No,’ said the cat. ‘Now you people have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are, so we don’t need names.”

If you want to relive your childhood, then you must read this book. I would highly recommend this. I am also looking forward to read more books by Neil Gaiman.

I have read this book for #ReadingWithMuffy challenge organized by Shalini of Kohl Eyed Me

This book was for July Prompt to read a book involving magic.

Ratings: 4/5