Years ago the BBC produced a series called ‘Neverwhere’ I enjoyed it a great deal and remember most of the characters well, particularly Hunter; heroic blade for hire and the Marquis de Carabas; an enigmatic trickster, his every word dripping with sarcasm and insincerity.
Imagine my delight when, 14 years later, I discovered the original screenplay writer, Neil Gaiman, had written a full blown novel featuring the same story and characters with more depth, background and excitement than the TV show could hope to convey.
The story takes place in two different worlds; the busy, crowded everyday streets of London known as ‘London Above’ and the mysterious, magical world of ‘London Below’. The subterranean city is never seen by ordinary Londoners who are oblivious to its existence. The denizens of London Below are magical, long-lived and not always human. Richard Mayhew, our unlikely hero, lives in London Above, that is until he comes to the aid of a citizen of London Below and is unwittingly plunged headlong into a world of assassins, talking rats, warriors and monsters.
The story is very exciting, uplifting and well structured too with the perfect backdrop. I found myself effortlessly sucked into the world of London Below and Gaiman does a first rate job of transporting the reader. The characters are larger than life and loveable, particularly the roguish Marquis. All of the characters got under my skin and I do not believe there was a weak one in there. The book itself has played on my mind a great deal since reading it and I have no doubt I will be returning to it again soon.
A brilliant adventure story.
Overall rating 4/5
Chris
I read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and have wanted to read more by him since. I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI've only read Coraline, but do want to read more Gaiman. Graveyard Book, Neverwhere and Fragile Things have been on my radar for awhile - I really need to read them!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Neverwhere ! Neil Gaiman has long been a favorite of mine, and although this is one of his darker works (in my opinion) it's still fantastic! Not to mention, it's one of the few NG books I've been able to get my boyfriend to read. So glad you liked it, and thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one in a couple years, but I absolutely loved it. I have great fondness for everything Gaiman writes, but this is probably my favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to see if I can find the TV series anywhere! I've never seen it!
This is one of my favorite Gaiman's. So glad you liked it. I heard there may be a sequel-- hope so.
ReplyDeleteIs this your first Gaiman? I've liked them all but Good Omens with Terry Pratchett is another extra good one. It is really funny if you like British humor-- Which I guess you do! hahah
This sounds like a great Gaiman. I've been meaning to read more of his works.
ReplyDelete@ Myke: The Graveyard Book is in my book box waiting to be read, i'm really looking forward to it.
ReplyDelete@ Anothercookiecrumbles: I've not read Coraline but it seems popular, particularly in the US. I'll have to try and find a copy.
@ Wereadtoknow: I agree it is quite dark in places which is one of my favourite aspects of the book. The only other Gaiman book I have read was 'Stardust' and I found that could be dark in places too. I guess it's Gaiman's style.
@ Allie: Neverwhere is my favourite Gaiman to date but I guess that isn't saying much since i've only read two of his books! lol here is a link to the DVD if you are interested: http://www.amazon.com/Neil-Gaimans-Neverwhere-Gary-Bakewell/dp/B0000A14WF/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1303802470&sr=8-4
@ Lesa: It's my second Gaiman (the first being Stardust) I thought Stardust was good but I enjoyed Neverwhere more. I like Gaiman's humour as my humour is quite dark anyway :o)
@ Brenna: Neverwhere is the perfect place to start reading Gaiman, not only is it brilliant but it's quite short too so it gives you a taster without having to commit to reading 500 pages.
Chris
I loved this one too. Gaiman has yet to disappoint me.
ReplyDeleteNeverwhere is one of my favourite books. I read it every few years or so. I first read it when the series was on TV. I bought myself a new copy this year which is the Author's preferred text and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteGaiman is one of those authors I know I have to get around to reading. After I read "Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell" two years ago, many of the reviews I read suggested that if I liked Susanna Clarke that I would also enjoy Gaiman. I LOVED Strange and Norrell, so may have to take you up on your suggestion for a good Neil Gaiman book.
ReplyDelete@ Avid Reader: He hasn't disappointed me yet either, fingers crossed he never does!
ReplyDelete@ Darren: I will definately give Neverwhere another read when i've made more of a dent in my TBR pile. It never seems to get any smaller though! (PS love the profile pic!)
@ Pam: I've never read any Susanna Clarke books but I can recommend Neverwhere wholeheartedly, I think it's a great intro to Gaiman books.
Chris
i'm a new follower based purely on the fact that this is pretty much the first time I've seen Neil Gaiman reviewed on a blog! I'm such a big fan, and your review was great :-)
ReplyDelete@ Bex: Always pleased to have new followers! Glad you liked the review :o)
ReplyDeleteChris