Neverwhere: Author's Preferred Text (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 1996; vuoden 2016 painos)

Creative, magical world. ( )

Neverwhere has always been one of my favourite of Neil Gaiman's novels, so when I heard that Chris Riddell was illustrating a new edition it was an easy excuse for a re-read. The story obviously wouldn't have changed since I last read it, but I was very much looking forward to seeing Riddell's vision for how the characters and scenes looked. I've seen quite a few of Riddell's casually illustrated books before, since he has a penchant for doodling everywhere and shares his work widely on social media, but I was not expecting him to take this casual style and apply it to an officially illustrated novel. On one hand, it felt like a delightful glimpse into Riddell's own book collection, but on the other hand it was rather disappointing not to get more fully finished artworks. I guess I expected something more along the lines of Vess' and Gaiman's collaboration for Stardust, where we get fully realized pieces of artwork and a lush text, combined to produce a wonderful reading experience, but instead we got a much more casual publication that remains more focused on the text than the art. What I wonder now is whether I was the only person to expect more. I'll probably still buy a copy for my collection, but I don't think I would have been particularly pleased if I had pre-ordered the book and been this underwhelmed. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Neverwhere

If you had told me a year ago I would be reviewing a Neil Gaiman book as my first book review of 2021 I wouldn’t believe you. I’ve DNFed multiple Gaiman books, not because of the writing, but because the worlds he built weren’t for me. I respect Gaiman’s talent and am glad so many people can find entertainment in his stories, I was just never one of them. Until a co-worker challenged me to read Neverwhere.

Those who live in London Above have no clue there is an entire world below their feet. Every day people walk along, never noticing those who fall beneath the cracks to London Below. Richard was once from London Above. The day he saved a dying girl changed everything. Door is hunted in London Below but will let nothing stop her from avenging her family. But dark things are lurking in London Below and Richard may not be enough to keep her safe.

Neverwhere is a dark tale that takes the underbelly of London and runs away with it wrapped up in wild imagination. The world-building is brilliant as the characters venture deeper into London Below. Piece by piece readers are introduced to the lore and people that make the Below their home. I especially enjoyed the rats whom those from Above deemed pests, actually carried messages to people known as rat-speakers.

The characters are phenomenal. Each one is filled to the brim with complexity and their character arcs will keep readers entertained. Gaiman makes sure to throw in some twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I loved the story all the more for them. The dialogue between Richard, Door, and the Marquis was the perfect mixture of witty banter and story-driven conversation. Richard especially showed his evolution as a character as he grew more confident in his actions and how he reacted to London Below.

Well done Neil Gaiman, well done. You’ve won me over and I am looking forward to the second book in London Below. ( )

This book sits atop my "to be read" pile. Gaiman has never let me down and always produces top-notch fiction. I originally bought this copy for my 16 year old daughter.

As someone else said, this is an adult Alice in Wonderland. That’s a perfect descr/iption, but for me it was also the one flaw with the story. It lacks a serious purpose. It is a fantasy whose nightmare images are shocking and memorable, but not truly lasting. It is entertainment. Very, very good entertainment from a wonderful author. I especially enjoyed Gaiman’s subtle humor throughout. However, I much preferred his American Gods. ( )