After reading The Ocean at The End of the Lane for the first time this summer, I was extremely visually inspired, especially by Gaiman's description of the ravenous Hunger Birds. I made this drawing of my interpretation of them, and to my delight, Neil commented saying that it was very in line with his own vision... flattered!
I'm relatively new to the world of Neil Gaiman actually. I remember seeing the animated movie, Coraline, when it came out in 2009. I was hooked on something about that story, it really got to me. It was definitely some sort of cautionary tale, but one where children were much wiser and open than the adults. Dark things happened, consequences too, but good seemed to triumph and children seemed to be valued in an honest light, as complex and observant people.
The next Gaiman book I happened to pick up was a couple years after, when a book store was closing and everything was on sale,
Odd and the Frost Giants. I began to identify what I like best about Gaiman's voice. He writes children as complex and capable people, he incorporates history and mythology is a very appealing and applicable way, and he writes about darkness in a way that is more revealing rather than evil and and unidimensional.
I began to follow Neil Gaiman's internet presence and was particularly moved by his commencement speech about "Making Good Art," in which he gave advice on leading a creative life. I realized that Neil is very skilled at expressing the human condition, and does not let his craft be hindered by the definitions of media. When he feels like writing a children's picture book, he'll do so... graphic novel, young adult fiction, music, poetry, screenwriting, fantasy, etc, etc... and I feel that is a terrific way to conduct yourself as a story teller!
This past summer, I was perusing the book section of my neighborhood Costco, and came across, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I really needed something new to read. I had seen the book being advertised on facebook, the cover was boring, but it seemed short enough, so hot damn, I just bought it and thought I'd give it a shot. Well I'm glad I did. It's one of my favorite books I've read in a while.
As I've noticed in Gaiman's stories, the story book starts off verrrry normally, vague almost. The nameless narrator is going to a funeral and is reminiscing about his childhood. I kept on trying to see what the narrator character's name was, checking if I missed it while reading, but upon finishing the book I knew that it was intentionally never given. I like this. I feel like a lot of the nameless narrator is meant to for the reader to be able to slip into, and a lot of it is a portion of Gaiman himself.
One of the most important parts about this book is the "snipping"and other subtle magic that the Hempstock Women are capable of. I love how Gaiman writes women, and specifically these three, three generations of the "Goddess Archetype" (Maiden, Mother, Crone) all in beauty, confidence, and wisdom.
Much of this book reminded me of
Coraline, where there was something very bad and scary, a monster in the closet if you will, and all adults and authority figures will not believe the child, because they are a child. This is terrifying, and we are left to rely on unlikely friends, uncover powers within ourselves, or make sacrifices to resolve or reverse evil.
The levels of "evil" badness or destruction are captivating in this story as well. The two main ones are Ursula Monkton, the worm, and the Hunger Birds, the varmints. Both are powerful, causing pain and destruction, but it's clear that they are very real forces in our universe that aren't inherently evil. Ursula Monkton just wants to give everyone everything they think they need that will make them happy. She just gives the world what it wants! It works out terribly, but that is her purpose. The Hunger Birds exist to enforce justice and to clean. Sounds good too right? Justice isn't without pain, and sometimes requires sacrifice. When the birds are denied their purpose they devour and destroy the fabric of the universe to clean up messes that have been made by people. This is all a lot to think about. Definitely a tale in being careful what you wish for, and that adults often do not know at all what is actually good for them.
This book is written from a seven year old's perspective, and I really don't think is intended for specifically adults or specifically children, it just is. Although there is disturbing imagery, a scene of intense child abuse, nudity and discussions of corporal punishment, it is definitely within a child's range of capability's to understand the plot, messages, and ongoings.
It was really a good experience to read through this book again this week! It's a masterful piece, and I feel Gaiman really needed to get it out of his system! Since reading it, I also read
American Gods this past summer, and was impressed in an entirely different way. Looking forward to more Gaiman media in the future!
