Neil Gaiman

[chloe1]

I was just reading the Carnegie medal article in the latest EBS journal and I wondered what readers here think of one of the latest winners Neil Gaiman? (The graveyard book won the award)

I love Gaimans adult fiction - my adoration is partly fuelled by his friendship (and secret injokes) with singer Tori Amos who I also love - but Stardust is one of my favourite books ever and American Gods, once I found the time to read and absorb it was wonderful.

I am never so sure with his childrens books. Very Dahl-esqe I guess. I did love Graveyard but I couldnt help feeling I had read something similer before.

Whenever I am reading Gaiman I am never sure whether he is a genius or just a mediocre writer who is interesting because of his famous connections and dont care style.

[aminmec]

If you find Neil Gaiman interesting then you must pick up his Sandman comic series which is immensely famous all over the world .

He has also written the comic adaptation of the movie Beowulf which is good as well.

[mynameisdumbnuts]

If you find Neil Gaiman interesting then you must pick up his Sandman comic series which is immensely famous all over the world .

I agree. I've only read a couple of the Sandman graphic novels, but the rest are on my list. They are beautifully drawn and written.

[mynameisdumbnuts]

Stardust is one of my favourite books ever

Just curious, have you seen the movie adaptation? I haven't read the book, but I think the movie is stellar.

[chloe1]

I cant read comics. I have tried Sandman and other graphic novels so many times and my brain just cant follow the story

Yes I have seen the stardust film and I hated it. There was none of the gentle charm of the book and they left out key scenes.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Whenever I am reading Gaiman I am never sure whether he is a genius or just a mediocre writer who is interesting because of his famous connections and dont care style.

The only book I've ever read by Neil Gaiman is Coraline and I found it extremely disappointing - you've hit on exactly the right word with "mediocre", Chloe. I was attracted to Coraline by the creepy-looking cover (drawn by Dave McKean) and by the fact that I knew it had been made into a film, though I haven't seen it. The style of writing was polished and the story was disturbingly surreal but unfortunately it lacked originality, the plot was slight and the final few chapters were hurried so that, when I came to the end, I felt, "Hmmm - was that it?!" It was one of those books where a lonely, half-neglected child explores a sinister old house and uncovers...well, I won't say any more, but to anyone familiar with the typical ingredients of fairytales and thrillers there are no real surprises. As I child I read a number of memorable "doll" stories which moved and chilled me, by authors like Rumer Godden, Ruth M. Arthur and Sylvia Cassedy. Coraline wasn't a patch on any of them.

I do like to try more than one book by an author though, and after reading the posts by you, Aminmec and Mynameisdumbnuts I think I'd like to try Stardust and one of the Sandman graphic novels one of these days.

[Ming]

I bought a copy of Stardust last September (2010) from South Korea but have yet to read it (so many books, so little time). This thread made me take it down from my book case; I'll start reading as soon as I get my homework done!

I watched the movie, and I really liked it. Books, however, are always better than movies, so I'm looking forward to a good read.

[chloe1]

I think I would recommend Stardust to anyone here. It is essentially an adult fairytale but it is beautifully written and I would consider it his best work. I think it started life in graphic novel form.

Anita - I need to reread Coraline but I remember thinking it was only ok too. Do give The Graveyard Book a try as it is much better.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Thanks for the recommendation, Chloe.