First Read March 13, 2010, reread for book club 2015
The Graveyard Book is a terrific book. It was inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, and Gaiman’s young son, and although I haven’t read it I remembered elements from the Disney classic.
The Graveyard Book isn’t simply a change in venue. Gaiman is a wonderful storyteller who paints a rich background for this novel of mystery, intrigue, and coming-of-age. I expected great things since I had previously enjoyed his other work, specifically, Coraline, and I was not disappointed.
Nobody Owens is adopted by ghosts in the graveyard after his family meets a tragic end. He is raised by spirits and specters and has to learn to navigate the world, even though he sees such a small part of it.
Just like the best of Gaiman this story weaves the realistic and the supernatural together for a delightful tale and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates whimsy and science fiction with a touch of darkness.
