370 pages

English language

Published May 25, 2003

ISBN:
9780060557812

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4 stars (3 reviews)

Neverwhere is the companion novelisation written by English author Neil Gaiman of the television serial Neverwhere, written by Gaiman and devised by Lenny Henry. The plot and characters are exactly the same as in the series, with the exception that the novel form allowed Gaiman to expand and elaborate on certain elements of the story and restore changes made in the televised version from his original plans. Most notable is the appearance of the Floating Market at Harrods (in the novel) rather than under Battersea power station (the TV series). This is because the management of Harrods changed their minds about proposed filming. The novel was originally released by BBC Books in 1996, three episodes into the television series run. It was accompanied by a spoken word CD and cassette release, also by the BBC. The novel enjoyed great success, whereas its television roots did not receive as much international …

14 editions

Harry Potter, but mature

4 stars

This was my first Neil Gaiman book. I can understand why people love his books.

This read a lot like Harry Potter in terms of the fantasy right under people's nose, and the fact that this happened in London (what is it with London and trains, eh?) gave further familiar vibe.

The book has a good flow. It's well written, with skills and thoughts. Gaiman created a whole world in 350 pages, and it feels like there's much more in the brains this came out of. I like how this books is kind of happy ending, yet, still not, yet... is... if you read it, you'll get it.

I don't usually ready fantasy like this, but I'm glad I picked this up. It was a fun read, an entertaining one, and invitation to provoke the mind and imagination.

Review of 'Neverwhere' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

There's really nothing I can say about Mr. Gaiman's writing that hasn't already been said, and quite eloquently, too. So I will say this -- Neverwhere is somewhat less cerebral than, for example, Anansi Boys or American Gods, which I think could make it somewhat more approachable for some readers. It's a modern urban fairy tale, chock full of delightful and/or terrifying characters. The dialog is excellent, and the story completely entertaining. You should read it.

PS: The audiobook is narrated by the author. I would not have predicted that Mr. Gaiman would be one of the finest voice actors I've ever heard. But there you go.