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Editorial Review:
Despite being mostly known for his fantastical graphic novels and adult fiction, Neil Gaiman's first book for children is everything that you would expect from such a massive imagination as his. It's special and wonderful and very weird indeed. Described by some as the new Alice in Wonderland, Coraline is actually more bizarre than that, much more frightening and its modest length definitely adds to the book's undiluted potency.
Shortly after moving into an old house with strange tenants above and below, Coraline discovers a big, carved, brown wooden door at the far corner of the drawing room. And it is locked. Curiosity runs riot in Coraline's mind and she unlocks the door to see what lies behind it. Disappointingly, it opens onto a brick wall. Days later, after exploring the rest of the house and garden, Coraline returns to the same mysterious door and opens it again. This time, however, there is a dark hallway in front of her. Stepping inside, the place beyond has an eerie familiarity about it. The carpet and wallpaper are the same as in her flat. The picture hanging on the wall is the same. Almost. Strangest of all, her mum and dad are there too. Only they have buttons for eyes and seem more possessive than normal. It's a twisted version of her world that is familiar, and yet sinister. And matters get even more surreal for Coraline when her "other" parents seem reluctant to let her leave.
Her attempted escape from this nightmare alternative reality sees Coraline experience a chilling series of ever more bizarre encounters. Some are plainly odd, others disturbingly spooky and together they combine to form an immensely readable story. It's like all the best bits of the Goosebumps books condensed into 160 pages. A unique reading experience guaranteed. (Ages 10 and over)--John McLay
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
FABULOUS I bought this book (for my daughter) on recommendation. I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it before I gave it to my child as I invariably do. I gave it to her with a smile and a wink and assured her she'd be scared (her idea of a good read! she's 9!) She marched downstairs the next day and declared she didn't know what I was talking about and it wasn't scary. The following morning (after having read a couple more chapters) she gave me the biggest smile and said "it's brilliant! I love it!" Apparently it... more info
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline. The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless. We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes... more info
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline. The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless. We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes... more info
Love dark fairy tales I love dark fairy tales and Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint. Simple yet meaningful, suitable for all to dive into as deep as you dare.
