“I mean, maybe I am crazy. I mean, maybe. But if this is all there is, then I don't want to be sane.”
And how true that may be.
Going into Neverwhere, I honestly had no idea what to expect. All I knew is that I had to read this book for school, and the author made a cameo in Arthur once.
I didn't expect to think that this book was good.
The plot line was easy to follow, the writing was normal (to put it simply) and Richard was an annoying, but ultimately empathetic main character that kind of grows on you like a rash. The book is an interesting story of self-discovery and redemption that just so happens to take place in an alternate universe that moves below our feet. Trust me, it makes it that much more entertaining.
And it isn't just about Richard. You get strong female heroines like Door and Hunter, and an entire journey of self-discovery through the main character. His character development in this novel is impeccable. I would compare it to Vianne's development in the Nightingale. They were weaker, confused, and a bit wet behind the ears in the beginning, but did they grow. Neverwhere is a multi-layered book, and each person (or creature, per se) has a long way to go before they finally become who they were meant to be.
However, I can understand that it is not exactly for everyone. The alternating perspectives of people tend to throw off some readers--including some of my friends who had mentioned this dilemma and added that they thought the novel was pretty slow. Also, based off my own observation, I realized that romance appeals to the female teenage demographic, and when reading this book, there is absolutely none. It turned a lot of my friends off, and I suppose, they found it more unappealing without it.
But even with the alternating perspectives and lack of romance, it's still a great story--a redeeming one, really. Ultimately, it's a rewarding journey to go through if you're up for it, and if you are, I hope you enjoy because I certainly did.
“You've a good heart. Sometimes that's enough to see you safe wherever you go. But mostly, it's not.”
Interesting review format. "...character that kind of grows on you like a rash." Hahahaha - that is true!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started reading Neverwhere, I immediately realized how similar it was to Alice in Wonderland. But, by the end of the book, I concluded that Neverwhere was a about special world in its own way.
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