Coraline
by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is the story of a young, adventurous girl, whose curiosity leads her to find another family that she is a part of in another world. Just when she starts to feel so comfortable in this other world with the other family that she considers staying permanently, she realizes its flaws and traps and horrible aspects. I thought the book was pretty eerie from the start, almost with a The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe feel in that she's a child who's bored and trapped in her house with nothing to do but explore. But I'm wondering if I would have still felt this eeriness from the beginning had I not known anything about the plot or the movie going into it? I'm not sure.
This book is definitely a fantasy in that it focuses on the concept of an alternate reality. This reminded me very much of the times that I have dreams that seems so real that I wake up feeling like they really did happen, especially the part when she first discovers the brick behind the door has turned into a hallway and she wanders down it and sees that it very much resembles her real house.
Obviously this is children's literature, but I wonder if there was a specific age for which the author intended? I thought it was very interesting that what is immediately creepy to me seemed to appeal to a young girl of this age, hungry for adventure. For example, when the author described Coraline's first adventure into the other world, the button eyes and white skin, the fingers that were too long, the rats to play with, and the shocking color scheme for her room, I was immediately repulsed, but it seemed that Coraline seemed to enjoy these things due to her naïveté and yearn for adventure.
I think this book sends several great messages to children, the first about bravery and doing what's right to protect those you love. Second, this book teaches children to be careful what they wish for and to be grateful for what they have, and also to not judge people too early or dismiss them for petty reasons before you get to know them. Coraline's experience also shows children that they can conquer their fears, or at least that circumstances could be a lot worse, so there's not point in wasting time worrying about the small things.
Neil Gaiman website: http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/Books/Coraline/
Sounds like this book has some great messages to kids.. I have heard great things about this book and definitely want to read it when I have some free time. I am worried about the creepiness slightly but think that after reading this review and knowing what the book is about will help my mind-set when I read it for myself!
ReplyDeleteThis book should appeal to young readers because it contains adventure and courage from a girl willing to take the next step into the unknown. Although at first glance a more mature reader may be discouraged from reading due to the creepiness that entails, it quite possibly may attract those younger readers who are looking for something different with the main character. I would love to hear a book review from the perspective of a 4th or 5th grader.
ReplyDeleteI was looking through my CT's bookshelf and saw that she had a few copies of this book there (4th grade), so I'm guessing that might be about the age it is being read? Like you, I've seen the movie -- and that is definitely creepy. It sounds like the book might be the same way. I like how you said it might contain good messages for kids. From your description, it certainly sounds that way!
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