Coraline: The Graphic Novel - Neil Gaimen

Shortly after moving into an old house with strange tenants above and below, Coraline discovers a big, carved, brown wooden door at the far corner of the drawing room. And it is locked. Curiosity runs riot in Coraline's mind and she unlocks the door to see what lies behind it. Disappointingly, it opens onto a brick wall.

Days later, after exploring the rest of the house and garden, Coraline returns to the same mysterious door and opens it again. This time, however, there is a dark hallway in front of her. Stepping inside, the place beyond has an eerie familiarity about it. The carpet and wallpaper are the same as in her flat. The picture hanging on the wall is the same. Almost. Strangest of all, her mum and dad are there too. Only they have buttons for eyes and seem more possessive than normal. It's a twisted version of her world that is familiar, and yet sinister. And matters get even more surreal for Coraline when her "other" parents seem reluctant to let her leave.

First review back and I've chosen one of my personal favorites: Coraline The Graphic Novel!

If you wern't aware already by my utter gushing I had for the written novel, then let me make this clear: I adore Coraline.

From it's quirkiness to it's spooky atmosphere, this novel has it all, and what's more? It has pictures! If you wern't familiar with the whole premise of this book, allow me to explain. The novel starts with a girl called Coraline, deprived of the love and attention from her parents. After seeking something to do from her parents, Coraline ends up exploring the house, only to uncover a small door.

Later that night, after many circumstances, she ends up climbing through inot what appears to be her house. Yet, no. This is not the case. Her parents have buttons for eyes!

 Though her new life with her 'other parents' seems ideal, she later uncovers the shocking truth that she might not be able to escape.

One thing I love about Coraline is the characters. All of them have different and weird personalities. From circus trainee Mr Bobinsky, to the crazy ladies downstairs, Miss Spink and Forcible, all are different in there won ways and thus fun to get to know and explore.

The illustrations in this book are also wonderful, and utterly creepy! Evern more so than the written novel, in my opinion.

Below are an example of some of the images:

I understand that the premise of this book has been largely discussed as to whether this book is appropriate for kids, but personally, I think this book is a masterpiece written by the fabulously crafty author, Neil Gaimen.

Coraline - Neil Gaiman

Okay, so I was looking on my bookshelf and decided it was time to review a MG novel, so here is Neil Gaiman's 'Coraline'

When Coraline explores her new home, she steps through a door and into another house just like her own... except that it's different. It's a marvelous adventure until Coraline discovers that there's also another mother and another father in the house. They want Coraline to stay with them and be their little girl. They want to keep fer for ever!

Coraline must use all of her wits and every ounce of courage in order to save herself and return home.

I must confess, I read Coraline after the film, which by the way, I loved.

Coraline is an action packed fast paced thriller-ish kind of book. I love the whole concept about Coraline having 'other' parents. The thing I liked about this book is that everything seems perfect as the beginning, however towards the end, everything is pulling apart at the seams and you realize just how much of a sticky situation Coraline has gotten herself into.

Coraline's reality life, is in a kids eyes, is boring. Her parents are always working and they pay no attention to poor old Coraline. So one day when being shooed off by her father - who told her to explore the house - she discovers a door leading to a parallel life. Neil Gaiman leads you to believe that this other world is perfect, yet all is not what it seems. Coraline's other mother want to keep her, forever!

This book is so creepy! It is quite dark too. I felt scared for Coraline when she was told she would have to sew buttons in her eyes in order to stay in the perfect world! The mother is dark, scary and very crafty, which makes Coraline's escape a whole lot harder.

I was a little disappointed with the lack of detail in this book. I mean, some sentences were just so short! However, I guess this is supposed to be a MG novel.

The illustrations in this book were so original, and I thought they were fantastic, and really gave the novel a scary atmosphere. Some spooked me out too, like the one of the other mother below!

I highly recommend this one, especially if you love the scary types of books, those who don't, perhaps while find it a little too frightening.

4/5

Covers: I was just wondering which one you preferred. I personally love the movie cover as it is really nice and bright! Yet the original incorporates the element of darkness in this novel and looks a lot more creepy!