Coraline: The Bloomsbury Phantastics
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk 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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
`Beautiful and haunting ... A master modern fable'
--Waterstone's Guide to Kid's Books, February 2009
--Waterstone's Guide to Kid's Books, February 2009
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I discovered this book a little over four years ago. It was the first Gaimain novel I had come across, and remains--despite my delving into the fascinating depths of Neverwhere's London Below, the dangerous beauty of Stardust's Faerie and all the rest--my absolute favourite of all his works. His clear, unconvuluted style is really allowed to shine through here as this story is primarily for children, giving a wonderfully bleak, chilly feel. Also, Gaiman's masterful tendency of leaving much unexplained and not feeling the need to rationalise the extraordinary is, no doubt one that will appeal to children greatly.
Admittedly, the basic idea of a 'Looking-Glass' world is not original, but the intricacies of the storyline certainly are. This novel has that feel that so many horror films try (and largely fail) to obtain with their demonic children and evil dollies; Coraline is awash with a kind of twisted innocence that is infinitely eerie.
Black buttons have ever since made me edgy.
Admittedly, the basic idea of a 'Looking-Glass' world is not original, but the intricacies of the storyline certainly are. This novel has that feel that so many horror films try (and largely fail) to obtain with their demonic children and evil dollies; Coraline is awash with a kind of twisted innocence that is infinitely eerie.
Black buttons have ever since made me edgy.
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was attracted by the amazing artwork on the cover of this book, but was totally unprepared for the surprise inside. It is a pleasure to read out loud and was chosen as a bedtime story for our 8 year old child. OOps - very scary indeed, talking animals, rats singing cautionary tales, haughty cats, an impossibly long key, souls of dead children, the truth seen through a stone with a hole in it...... a girl trapped in a parallel world unable to leave until she rescues her parents.... The Other Mother and Father with large black buttons sewn on their eyelids, waiting to stitch up Coralines eyes..... I'm such a fan, can't you tell. Anyway, some clever person has bought the film rights and I can't wait. There's also a great website.. mousecircus.com Look out for and click on the rats when they scurry over the page, they will sing their chilling song for you. Enjoy if you dare.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is fantastic! I wish I was younger to enjoy the terror aspects more. The illustrations are perfect for the tone of the book and unlike many books enhance the narrative, not just illustrate it.
However if your child is of a sensitive nature and is easily frightened I would recommend reading the book for yourself first.
Coraline is a strong and inspirational character for children. She is intelligent and armed with street-smarts but also a approachable character.
The book also carries an important, albeit subtle, point namely beware of strangers; a point made poignant by the ghost children - a reminder that children do die from abduction.
My main criticism is that the narrative is a little distant - a bit movieish and The language is a little ambitious in part for children to read alone - I had to look up a few words myself!
All in all a strong children book piece. A very dark fairy tale as all good fairy tales should be. If you are interested in this kind of book to encouage sytaxical and lexical growth I also can recommend Haroum and the Sea of Stories by Rushdie.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
My favourite Gaiman book
A great little read, spooky, haunting and a true treat of a ride. Mild horror mixed with an amazing fantasy, definately worth a read. One of my favourite of Gaimans.
Published 27 days ago by A.Casey
Brilliant
Neil Gaiman just propped himself up to Dahl's level when it comes to children's horror fiction. I admit I did *not* exactly wet my pants while reading this book, but I think that's... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Maglor
e book coraline
Generally it is a good copy, but in places the type does not come out as it probably is in the printed version. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mel S
Coraline
Wow. My pleasant surprise for this book was barely contained after I gobbled it up in two (albeit very busy) days. Read more
Published 1 month ago by The Reader
Dark but delightful
I committed a terrible sin with Coraline. I saw the film before reading the book. Shameful, eh? This is an approach I try not to take, preferring to build up my own image of a... Read more
Published 3 months ago by D Brown
Highly recommended
Coraline was recommended to me by a friend, and though it's a children's book primarily I decided to give it a go. I'm glad I did! Read more
Published 7 months ago by Ms. S. E. George
great read
Loved this book, travelled me to a dark,magical place. I wouldnt get it for a child or young teenager though as I thought it was quite scary at points. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Daniella
Vivid
I'm giving Coraline 3 stars as I do think I may have enjoyed it a little more if I was younger - personally, I prefer some more development and more issues in a story than this one... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Stepping Out of the Page
Is this really suitable for children?
As far as creepy books go, this one is quite gentle and subtle to start with, but this makes it all the more powerful. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Avocet
Modern fairy tale
Like all great fairy tales, this story is no exception filled with magic, dark and dangerous characters, this story quickly pulls you in to a other world of mystery. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Reegster
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