I usually write my reviews on GoodReads with two sections: what I liked and what I didn't like. Having finished The Ocean at the End of the Lane this evening, I still cannot form negative words about the book.

I do not care for paranormal. I do not care for books about the supernatural. But I could not put this book down until I had devoured it from cover to cover. Any time I read a novel by Neil Gaiman, I am left in awe at the worlds he can create. I wish I could pack a suitcase and go stay in his mind for a few months.

The narration from the eyes of a nameless (to the reader) 7-year-old boy is entirely believable. I could instantly picture myself living in Sussex, England, even though I've never been there. His world was so real.

The characters in this novel are strikingly memorable. I will never forget Lettie or Ursula or even the opal miner. The horror scenes--even the threats of horror--left me shivering with terror and delight. One of the most disturbing yet fascinating passages from the book was, "Perhaps I ought to turn you inside out, so your heart and brains and flesh are all naked and exposed on the outside, and the skin-side's inside. Then I'll keep you wrapped up in my room here, with your eyes staring forever at the darkness inside yourself."