A wonderfully childlike story

This book is straight-up magical.

I’ve read it before, I think right around the time I first got a kindle, and I’ve seen (and loved) the movie and yet somehow I let this story fall by the wayside. But the audiobook fell into my lap and it seemed like a perfect Bingo choice and I am so grateful for all of these elements that brought Coraline back into my life.

Neil Gaiman has brought this little girl to life in spectacular fashion. The book is written in third person narration and everything in Coraline’s head is so delightfully child-like. Her reasonings, decisions, and actions all read as those of a young girl but the book itself is neither childish nor juvenile. It’s a story for adults told for adults from the perspective and in the voice of a child, if that makes sense. It is so perfectly and seamlessly done.

Coraline, somewhat bored in her new house and feeling – if not outright stating – neglected by her working parents, unlocks a door to another world where her Other Mother promises her a lifetime of adventures and love and attention, if only she will stay forever. Coraline gathers pretty quickly that she stands to lose more than she gains in this particular transaction, but the Other Mother is not so easily denied and now she is on a quest to rescue her real parents and escape.

Gaiman has one of the most wonderful imaginations in modern literature and Coraline is among the best examples of it. He narrates the audiobook himself and hits every beat just perfectly, taking you deep into the mind of this clever little girl. Plus, there’s a talking cat.

Bingo Square: Throwback Thursday

DOUBLE CANNONBALL!