The Graveyard Book Review
As the leaves change and the air gets crisper, you might find yourself in the mood for something a bit darker to read. How about a ghost story that combines elements of horror with themes of growing up, friendship, discovery, and loss? If that piques your interest, then you should definitely check out Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.”
The story kicks off one fall night with a toddler who climbs out of his crib and wanders away from home, eventually stumbling into an old graveyard. This graveyard becomes his sanctuary, even as he’s pursued by a relentless killer who will hunt him for most of his life. The toddler is taken in by a ghostly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, who name him Nobody “Bod” Owens. You might wonder how ghosts can raise a living child, but Gaiman creates a magical world where this scenario feels not just possible, but fascinating.
Bod enjoys what’s called the Freedom of the Graveyard, meaning he can see in the dark and go places living people can’t. He blends into the graveyard so well that he often goes unnoticed by the living. The graveyard’s ghosts are his family, answering his endless questions and teaching him about their world. Bod lives without fear of death and constantly learns from his spectral companions.
But Bod isn’t limited to ghostly friendships. He has a guardian, Silas, who sleeps during the day in an old chapel. He also befriends a living girl who visits the graveyard to play. As he grows, Bod encounters more friends, which is crucial because he has powerful enemies intent on destroying him. This mix of danger and companionship makes for an engaging, sometimes whimsical, and occasionally heart-wrenching tale.
Neil Gaiman meticulously builds the ghostly world Bod inhabits. Inspired by watching his own son play among gravestones, Gaiman brings the setting to life with detailed descriptions and a sense of history unique to each tomb. The graveyard is not just a collection of graves; it’s a community with its own distinct personalities and stories.
For instance, Mr. Owens, a prosperous cabinetmaker during his life, has a nice tomb. Josiah Worthington, a politician who bought the cemetery centuries ago, has the best spot in a natural amphitheater. There’s even a witch buried in unconsecrated ground without a headstone. The ghosts retain their human quirks, making them relatable and lively even in death.
Beyond the graveyard’s borders, Gaiman hints at a much larger world that influences Bod’s life. We get glimpses of Silas’s mysterious background and the vast network to which the killer belongs. There are also intriguing characters like the Lady on the Grey Horse, whose identity remains a mystery. These elements keep readers curious and engaged, adding depth to the story.
The characters are another strong point. Bod is both an eerie, supernatural figure and a curious, thoughtful boy. As he matures, he becomes more complex, embodying the struggles and joys of growing up. Silas, with his hidden abilities and enigmatic nature, will likely be a favorite for readers, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The book’s structure allows some chapters to stand alone as individual stories. Initially, it may seem like a collection of tales, but eventually, the plotlines and characters converge into a captivating climax where Bod must confront his destiny. The closing chapters are filled with suspense and mystery, leaving readers with a satisfying conclusion.
“The Graveyard Book” is an ideal read for this time of year, offering suspense and chills without veering into grotesque horror. It’s highly recommended for fans of supernatural fantasy.
Adaptation Recommendation
A movie adaptation directed by Ron Howard is reportedly in the works, which promises to be visually captivating. An animated film version in the artistic style of “The Last Unicorn” or “Spirited Away” could also be a great fit, offering a unique and atmospheric take on the story.
