THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. by Dave Mckean. New York: Harper Collins, 2008. ISBN 978-0060530945
Plot Summary:
The Graveyard Book is a quaint novel about a young boy that goes by Bod, short for Nobody Owens. Bod was brought to the graveyard on a dark and scary night when he was unknowingly escaping his family's murderer. As the story opens with a eerie scene of the man Jack killing off baby Bod's family. Drenched in suspense at the idea of a young baby escaping his death, we are led to an even creepier graveyard. In a turn of events Bod seeks refuge in the graveyard and is hidden by the graveyard dwellers. The ghost, specifically Mr. and Mrs. Owens, make a vow to protect and raise the boy as their own. Throughout the novel we follow Bod and his unlikely childhood; as a young baby he is given graveyard special privileges and makes friends with the ghost, witches, vampires, and even regular graveyard visitors. It isn't until Bod is confronted with an old friend and the man Jack that his life takes a turn for the unknown.
Critical Analysis:
Neil Gaiman's creation of the innocent, lovable, and curious Bod is a special blend of supernatural ability and youthful imaginary play. Gaiman doesn't dwelling on Bod's special abilities he simply writes as though his ability to see dead people is natural, hence, the reader doesn't feel like they are reading a fantasy novel. The reader feels connected to Bod because of his sad and mysterious family's murder. The reader wants Bod to become successful despite his horrific past. Accompanying Bod, Silas is the quintessential heroic mentor. Silas is the only member of the graveyard who comes and goes to bring Bod food and other supplies. Silas finds Bod teachers and teaches him different things he needs to know about the world outside the gates. Silas's supernatural abilities are not overtly discussed only vaguely mentioned and the reader is require to put the pieces together. Silas's in his protective measures leads Bod to the life he always wanted, making the reads cherish their relationship regardless of the supernatural overtones. As of the other characters, Mr. and Mrs. Owns, and other members of the graveyard, they each offer their own special addition to Bod's life and they create this village to raise Bod. The reader forgets that these kind, and loving characters are in fact ghost.
In addition to the uniquely classic characters, the plot is equally as creative. Gaiman does an incredible job of building suspense while not scaring the audience away. Also, Gaiman takes the reader on this classic epic journey of the unknown. With each chapter we get a new adventure with Bod; he takes us through the deepest cracks in graveyard in his innocent attempts to learn more, help the other members of the graveyard, and find answers to his past. At times the plot seems long-winded, but because the writing is so eloquent the reader does not give up on the book.
For most of the novel the story takes place in the graveyard, which is described as a place on top of a hill that doubles as a nature preserve, located in present day England. While the novel can sometimes feel like it is taking place 100's of years ago because of the way the ghost communicate, it is clear that it is present time because one character mentions cell phones and bullies film their victims. Furthermore, the setting of the graveyard is clearly and integral part of the novel THE GRAVEYARD BOOK.
Above all of the possible themes that are present in THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, the sense of community and responsibility takes precedence. As the old saying goes "it takes a village to raise a child" well this could not be more present in this novel. While Mr. and Mrs. Owens declare they are the guardian of Bod, the graveyard first vote on taking him in; they decide things together as a working community. The retold story of a rare childhood and upbringing is a fresh twist on a classic theme.
Gaiman's uses a third person omniscient point of view to tell the story of Nobody Owens. The third person point of view is perfect for telling this coming of age story because it allows the reader to reveal bits and pieces of the characters thoughts and actions without coming out and saying them. Gaiman also cleverly weaves in the illustrations by Dave McKean. The pictures are black and white sketches that depict the stories most intense moments. With the additions of pictures with in the novel the mood is set to an endearing sense of spookiness.
Review Excerpts
In addition to the uniquely classic characters, the plot is equally as creative. Gaiman does an incredible job of building suspense while not scaring the audience away. Also, Gaiman takes the reader on this classic epic journey of the unknown. With each chapter we get a new adventure with Bod; he takes us through the deepest cracks in graveyard in his innocent attempts to learn more, help the other members of the graveyard, and find answers to his past. At times the plot seems long-winded, but because the writing is so eloquent the reader does not give up on the book.
For most of the novel the story takes place in the graveyard, which is described as a place on top of a hill that doubles as a nature preserve, located in present day England. While the novel can sometimes feel like it is taking place 100's of years ago because of the way the ghost communicate, it is clear that it is present time because one character mentions cell phones and bullies film their victims. Furthermore, the setting of the graveyard is clearly and integral part of the novel THE GRAVEYARD BOOK.
Above all of the possible themes that are present in THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, the sense of community and responsibility takes precedence. As the old saying goes "it takes a village to raise a child" well this could not be more present in this novel. While Mr. and Mrs. Owens declare they are the guardian of Bod, the graveyard first vote on taking him in; they decide things together as a working community. The retold story of a rare childhood and upbringing is a fresh twist on a classic theme.
Gaiman's uses a third person omniscient point of view to tell the story of Nobody Owens. The third person point of view is perfect for telling this coming of age story because it allows the reader to reveal bits and pieces of the characters thoughts and actions without coming out and saying them. Gaiman also cleverly weaves in the illustrations by Dave McKean. The pictures are black and white sketches that depict the stories most intense moments. With the additions of pictures with in the novel the mood is set to an endearing sense of spookiness.
Review Excerpts
- Hugo Award for Best Novel (2009),
- Newbery Medal (2009),
- Locus Award for Best Young Adult Novel (2009),
- World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2009),
- Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2009)
- Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year (2009),
- An ALA Notable Children's Book for Middle Readers (2009),
- ALA Teens' Top Ten (2009), Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Nominee (2009),
- Indies Choice Book Award for Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book (Fiction): (2009),
- Carnegie Medal in Literature (2010), British Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2009),
- Cybils Awards for Middle Grade Fantasy & Science Fiction (2008)
Connections:
The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish (with illustrations by Dave McKean ISBN 1-56504-199
Coraline (with illustrations by Dave McKean, , ISBN 0-380-97778-8)
The Wolves in the Walls (with illustrations by Dave McKean ISBN 0-380-97827-X)
Melinda (with illustrations by Dagmara Matuszak ISBN 0-931771-04-8)
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