I would like to write a proper review for this, but in the meantime, I have to mention it was a fascinating book. I have probably said it before but I have liked Gaiman when I started collecting comic books with my Superman/Marvel obsessed boyfriend at the time. I was drawn to DC right away. Then DC split into Image. Anyway, Sandman was one of my first comics and one that they always held, as soon as that new issue came in, for me at Comic Book store. I loved them so much. As most of you know, or if you look at my profile, I have not read in 14 years up until a few months age. I was so happy to see Sandman still out there, and Lady Death, etc. I love graphic novels but I have all his comics so I think I only brought one graphic novel.
Anyway, NO ONE can tell a story like Neil Gaiman. He is truly a master of his craft. He writes about these worlds and these incidences and characters that draw you in and hold you tight. He makes it so easy to imagine what he had intended to convey. He is already a classic to me but his books will be classics for sure when he is no longer with us.
So after not reading for so long, and seeing a book! by Gaiman on the shelf, not just a graphic novel, I grabbed it. That was The Graveyard Book. I was so enthralled with that, I knew I needed more and I picked up Neverwhere at Barnes and Noble.
Well I am here now into this I may as well review it! This book is really an awesome adventure. Mixed with humor, some horror, a great story line, likable characters, and unlikable ones, a little supernatural I guess you can call it. It has it all it really does.
It focuses on Richard. He think he has it all. But one day, noticing and injured girl in the road, dirty and bleeding, he brings her back to his apartment to help her clean up. No calling the authorities was what was asked of Door, the girl Richard picked up and carried back to his place. She was very mysterious from the beginning. And to start the mystery is there are two men out for Door and, since they are not police, Richard says he knows nothing of this girl. However they push his door open to look for her. She is in the bathroom. Richard tries to stop them from going in, but when the two bad guys come in, claiming to be worried about their sister, Richard read them right away - not good guys. Luckily, the do not see Floor in the apartment anywhere and leave.
What unravels next is mind boggling! Because of his contact with this girl from London Underground, Richard's whole life starts to change. It starts by no one acknowledging him. He thinks at first it is a joke and then realizes people cannot see him. He is not dead. He is no longer recognizable in London Above Ground.
The journey that unfolds next to help Richard find some answers as to what has happened to him, as well as thinking of Door and where she went off too. For she had told him a few things, and then just left and told him he did enough and not to worry.
He does find Door and their journey begins. Richard wants one outcome, Door another. But they work together, along with other Undergrounders to get through all of the things that happen to them along their journey. The good and bad people, the magical people, the traitors, even the "Rat Speakers". And many more.
The story moves effortlessly and you really cannot put the book down. These two characters, Richard and Floor, you honestly care about and want them horribly to be able to find the people and things they are looking for on their journey without being injured, or tricked by anyone.
I do my best to never add a spoiler. No offense to anyone but I think, although it is tough, you should be able to give a review that gives nothing away. So it is hard for me to mention certain things.But know this is one long and perilous journey, with some chuckles along the way, and the imagination of Neil Gaiman and the worlds he creates I believe (I have never talked to him obviously, but I get the sense) effortlessly.
If you have never read any Neil Gaiman, I believe this is a good start. It is one of his older books, but that is what is so awesome. His books stand the test of time. I will be reading all of his books for sure.
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