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kristineo's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25
brus's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
shaken_not_stirred's review against another edition
3.0
Simply refuse to care about any man named Richard
morild's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
bperl's review
3.0
Favorite Gaiman story so far. As always, his world building is unbelievably compelling and eerily familiar. More than a few authors would do well to consider London Below as an excellent example for their background. This world tells a story just as much as the characters.
Speaking of. Characters are a bit more developed in this novel - motivations are more easily understood, if not sympathetic in some cases. Gaiman needs to get his naming conventions down, though; the disparities *nearly* work, but not perfectly.
I’m never quite sure what Gaiman is actually trying to *say* in his stories. One gets the feeling that there’s commentary or insight buried somewhere in a lost tunnel of Earl’s Court. But alas, it remains hidden to all those who live in the world Above.
Speaking of. Characters are a bit more developed in this novel - motivations are more easily understood, if not sympathetic in some cases. Gaiman needs to get his naming conventions down, though; the disparities *nearly* work, but not perfectly.
I’m never quite sure what Gaiman is actually trying to *say* in his stories. One gets the feeling that there’s commentary or insight buried somewhere in a lost tunnel of Earl’s Court. But alas, it remains hidden to all those who live in the world Above.
alexandrathegreat89's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
thanes's review against another edition
5.0
This book renewed my interest in fantasy genre. Neil Gaiman's world building is just amazing, his depiction of London Below was extremely captivating.
I am sincerely sad there is not a second book.
Highly recommended.
I am sincerely sad there is not a second book.
Highly recommended.
mcloonejack's review against another edition
5.0
It was surprising to learn that Neverwhere is Neil Gaiman's solo author debut (after co-writing Good Omens with Terry Pratchett a few years prior, which I'd also highly recommend). It wasn't as surprising to learn that this was a novelization of a show he had co-written (that was also simultaneously airing), as there are moments in the pacing that had me thinking "wow, this would make for great TV."
But the meta moments aside, Gaiman's crafts a great fantasy story here, one perfect for the kind of reader obsessed with this idea of other worlds existing just outisde our margins. But unlike, say, taking a special train to a magic school or stepping through a wardrobe to a land of talking beasts, Gaiman — as his future work is wont to do as well — prefers to look at the darker, grungier side of things.
This is a story, quite literally, about the people who fall through the cracks, but one largely told with care. In a really memorable moment, Richard Mayhew, new to London Below, stumbles through London Above (our world) and has eyes literally pass over him, people only acknowledging him when he very directly interacts with them, and even then they move on, mirroring exactly how the vast majority of people interact with the homeless and impoverished. What Gaimain supposes with this book is "What if a life outside the normal 9-to-5 system isn't as bad as it seems?" Or, at least, "You don't *have* to live a 9-to-5 to have a fulfilling life. In fact, it may be keeping you from it, even if the alternative isn't glamourous or comfy either."
Yes, there's some degree of the glorification of the struggle, but it never really steps over the thin line into fetishizing it. Instead, it humanizes it, even if the "humans" (not all the time) in question are fantastical.
Overall, another great addition to the pantheon of hidden worlds fantasy that I'd recommend to just about anyone. Fully actualized characters, a satisfying plot cadence and witty bursts make it a very quick and enjoyable read.
But the meta moments aside, Gaiman's crafts a great fantasy story here, one perfect for the kind of reader obsessed with this idea of other worlds existing just outisde our margins. But unlike, say, taking a special train to a magic school or stepping through a wardrobe to a land of talking beasts, Gaiman — as his future work is wont to do as well — prefers to look at the darker, grungier side of things.
This is a story, quite literally, about the people who fall through the cracks, but one largely told with care. In a really memorable moment, Richard Mayhew, new to London Below, stumbles through London Above (our world) and has eyes literally pass over him, people only acknowledging him when he very directly interacts with them, and even then they move on, mirroring exactly how the vast majority of people interact with the homeless and impoverished. What Gaimain supposes with this book is "What if a life outside the normal 9-to-5 system isn't as bad as it seems?" Or, at least, "You don't *have* to live a 9-to-5 to have a fulfilling life. In fact, it may be keeping you from it, even if the alternative isn't glamourous or comfy either."
Yes, there's some degree of the glorification of the struggle, but it never really steps over the thin line into fetishizing it. Instead, it humanizes it, even if the "humans" (not all the time) in question are fantastical.
Overall, another great addition to the pantheon of hidden worlds fantasy that I'd recommend to just about anyone. Fully actualized characters, a satisfying plot cadence and witty bursts make it a very quick and enjoyable read.
themissyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Child death, Vomit, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Gore, and Death of parent