I recently saw the stage production of The Ocean At The End of the Lane at The Lowry Theatre in Salford and knew I had to add it my list of holiday reads. Whilst I ultimately preferred the stage version and how it made subtle changes to the story that improved its theming for me (mum-absent-single-dad for one), I still did relish in Gaiman’s lovely prose, how it lucidly told the story and so beautifully captured the voice of a lonely 7 year old. It’s a small story that I think could have done with a bit more development (which actively works to its advantage on stage) but it’s clearly a personal tale that meant a lot to Gaiman.