Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book

Hi everyone

I’ve been steadily making my way through Neil Gaiman’s work; some are re-reads, and some are new to me. The Graveyard Book was my first time reading it, and I read it on my e-reader.

"Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him.
Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are beings such as ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other." 

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. I know it’s aimed at younger readers (around 8–12 years old), so I tried to keep that in mind while reading. As an adult, I had a lot of practical questions: What if Bod fell ill? What if it were freezing cold? Where does he bathe? How would he manage in the real world without modern schooling? But I don’t think most children would dwell on those details, and that’s okay! 

This story is imaginative, bittersweet, suspenseful, creepy, and a perfect mix of dark and light. The villain, Jack, is pure evil, which makes the story very black-and-white and good versus bad. I guess that’s typical for children’s books, but as an adult, I prefer more nuance. Still, it keeps the tension high and the stakes clear.

What I loved most was Bod’s new family; how caring, kind, and protective they are. Their bond makes the ending truly bittersweet, but it also leaves the door open for imagination (or even a sequel!). 

Bod’s naivety is charming, though I was a little surprised by it. You’d think living in a graveyard among ghosts would make him more world-weary. The section where he attends school and deals with bullies, however, felt out of place, more unrealistic than the fantastical premise itself. I couldn’t understand why Silas would let him go to school when the graveyard is supposed to be his safe haven.

Have you read The Graveyard Book? Did you love it as a child, or did you discover it as an adult? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading
Helena