I have read many children's stories, and I must say The Graveyard Book is one of my favorites. I had to read this for a class in grad school and after reading it, I think it is destined to be a classic in children's literature which is high praise indeed. The audiobook is an unabridged version, on seven discs, and runs a total of 7.5 hours. Interestingly, it is Gaiman himself that reads his own work, and delivers a compelling performance. In his reading, Gaiman is able to provide individual `voices' to each of his characters so as to render them distinct in the listener's mind. Being the author and the reader of his own work is to the advantage of the listener here as Gaiman reflects a deep understanding of the story and his characters. For example, one of the characters in the story is a girl named Scarlett who meets Bod when she is five, and then goes away to Scotland before returning ten years later. Gaiman actually reads her part with a hint of a Scottish brogue when she returns to Bod at fifteen which elevates the credibility factor of this audio production.
The sense of dread that runs through this story is credibly evoked through the nuances in Gaiman's tone of voice. Certain scenes are memorable, especially the chapter where Bod gets kidnapped by ghouls and is taken into the underworld where the ghouls live. Gaiman's reading evokes a high sense of tension and menace and leaves the reader in a state of eager anticipation as to what occurs next, and wondering if Bod makes it out in one piece. The pivotal setting for this story is the graveyard, and in both Gaiman's reading (and writing), the graveyard is not just a place of eternal rest for the long departed, but also a safe refuge and home for Bod, and a place of schooling where Bod learns his letters, reading, and also skills that prepare him to face his adversaries.
The theme is in essence a coming of age story which most adolescents will relate to. Bod is an endearing character because he is innocent yet is quickly schooled in the ways of the world, and finds himself having to grow up quite quickly given his special circumstances. Bod is also a character with much courage and sense of morality, and is a character that will inspire admiration and elicit empathy. His sense of alienation and feeling abandoned at certain points in the story will also strike a chord with many listeners/readers. This story not only holds appeal for children and young adults, but also adults since the theme of learning to let go is also portrayed here. The adults in Bod's life, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Owens, his guardian Silas, etc. all learn to let Bod go, knowing that his ultimate home is amongst the living.
The Graveyard Book is a blend of the supernatural and fantasy and is inhabited by not only ghosts and humans, but other supernatural creatures such as a werewolf, ancient entities, ghouls, a witch-ghost, and also alludes to the presence of a vampire. The story flows well despite the introduction of all these different entities, and makes this an engaging and interesting story.
The Graveyard Book: Full-Cast Production
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
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Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
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Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
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interesting gripping adventure of Bod and His life in graveyard
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2018
The Graveyard book was mix of paranormal, horror story; a wonderful childhood story of Nobody Owens living quirky life among the dead and yearning to learn more about world of living and killer who killed his parents.Book started with how Nobody Owens (Bod) came to live in graveyard and got adopted by the Owens. Bod’s adventurous nature while he was toddler in the beginning hooked me to the story and I knew I’m going to adore this kid. Bod was clever, inquisitive, and courageous kid. There were lot of characters in the book. Characterization was unique and I loved to read about all the characters and their relationship with Bod. Relationship between Bod and Silas was most fascinating to read. They had unique bonding and I enjoyed dialogues between them and the way Silas handled Bod’s inquisitive nature.There were ghosts, ghouls, witch, werewolf, mummy, bullies, criminals, and greedy people… everything young readers would love to read in the book. Each chapter depicted adventure of Body in graveyard as well as in outside world and introduced new character both inhabitant of graveyard and characters from outside world with their short story along with a new lesson to learn for Bod.I loved the way Neil Gaiman explained difficult words in the book. He narrated story charmingly with picturesque description and imagination. Setting of the Graveyard on the hill, its inhabitants with their headstone inscription and their story was the best part of the book. I enjoyed Bod’s adventure in school and the way he handled bullies. Another favorite chapter was his adventure in world of ghouls.This book gave insight on belongingness through Bod’s connection with both worlds, family and friendship, importance of teaching and learning that saved Bod in the world of Living and Dead. The twist and turns in each adventure was thrilling. The mystery about why man Jack killed Bod’s family and whether Bod could escape from the man Jack or will he take his revenge for murdering his family made the book gripping and unputdownable. Well, that reason was just meh, I didn’t buy it but that didn’t stop me adoring this book. End was good and satisfactory. I wish I could read more. This was my first book by Neil Gaiman and won’t be the last.Overall, it was interesting gripping adventure of Bod and His life in graveyard that I recommend to all young readers who enjoy horror and thriller stories with quirky characters.
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2018
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Anuradha Gupta
Learning to live, from the dead.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on July 8, 2019
