The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman



Review by Cindy Bohn of Diggin up Bohns


I have read so many reviews of this book. So let me just share my impressions.


I have only read Gaiman's children's books so far, and I have loved everyone I've read. With this book, he has again created something to be proud of. As a retelling of The Jungle Book, he has created something really new and wonderful. The main character Bod, or Nobody Owens, is so well drawn and appealing. In fact, he is really a much better character than Mowgli, because in The Jungle Book, it is the animals which are full and interesting characters. In this one, Bod is definitely the center of the book. I loved watching him grow and develop. The big final scenes were suspenseful and funny. But I admit that the last chapter made me cry.


I would recommend this one for teens or older kids, as long as you warn them that the opening chapter is quite violent. The actual violence takes place 'behind the scenes,' but the sense of danger and evil is very real and shocking, if you are not expecting it. After that, the suspense builds slowly, but it is certainly there. 5 stars!

3 comments:

  1. I really want to read this one. Thanks for the reviw.

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  2. Thanks for the review. This is the first review of the book I have read and I appreciate your honesty, thanks!

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  3. I have not read this book and I find some of Neil Gaiman's adult books a little dark, but "Stardust" is one of my favorite books of all time. It has one scene in it where some ghosts are having a discussion over the body of their dead father (I believe, it's been a few years) that is so funny I had to put the book down a few times to get through it. It is a fairy tale for adults, beautifully written. I would give it a PG rating, I believe it is has one "f" word and one mild sexual reference. Otherwise good.

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