I've been reading too much serious/mostly serious fantasy recently, because I'd forgotten how fun and funny a wacky Gaiman adventure can be. [b:Neverwhere|23462649|Neverwhere|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1454334106s/23462649.jpg|16534] is sprinkled with dry puns and sly references that constantly keep me chuckling, giving Gaiman credit for the gotcha. But it's also host to great pacing and worldbuilding that keeps me engaged for a charming tale of growth. We end up learning to how to live once you fall through the cracks of London and of life, and then *letting* yourself stay fallen. What does it take for you to come back when you hit your lowest lows, literally in this case? I don't know that my personal answer will include facing off against a terrible foe, but maybe it'll be something close. ( )

In Neverwhere, Gaiman creates a picaresque fantasy in the tradition of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll but with dark undertones and brutal violence, a vision of the Londoners who "fall through the cracks" and their fabulous, astounding, frightening, and magical city. Though I know this is one of Gaiman's most famous books, I knew very little about it going in, except that it took place in an alternate version of London, and I think my experience was greatly enriched by jumping in almost blind--I was constantly startled and exhilarated by the places and people he creates.

The plot is clearly based on The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland: an "ordinary" person (in this case, a young Scottish financial analyst named Richard Mayhew) is pulled into a magical world and spends the book seeking to get "home," by traveling through a succession of odd adventures that take place in strange and fabulous locations and meeting eccentric characters who help or hinder them on their way. Like Alice and Dorothy, Richard at first seems to have no agency of his own but is pulled inexorably forward by the choices of other people. However, around the 2/3 mark, he has a couple near-death experiences that reveal his inner strength, which comes as a surprise to Richard. These experiences shape his actions for the rest of the book and make him into much more than just a proxy for the reader, going bemusedly along for the ride. By the end his character has made a profound change that allows him to reorient his priorities and exercise his power of compassionate observation of the world.

I have read a few books by Gaiman and have always enjoyed them, but in Neverwhere I was astounded by the sheer brilliance of his world making and his frank homage to so many writers and artists who came before him. There is the evident influence of Baum and Carroll (and humorous, knowing references to them) but Gaiman also scans the more pragmatic, investigatory social work of Victorian authors and artists such as Gustave Dore, John Thomson, and Henry Mayhew (who I'm assuming must be the inspiration for Richard's last name). There are so many layers to his allusions--references to Shakespeare, Milton, and medieval lais jostle alongside The Jam's "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" and urban legends of sewer alligators--that I'd need to read the book a few times to glean even half of them. And I think this will be one that I read and reread in my life. A fabulous, twisty, fun, and frightening book about my favorite city in the world--what could be better? ( )

I couldn't decide if this was a weirdly interesting book or an interestingly weird one. It was an enjoyable read with a plot which is more twisty than the streets of London. ( )

I’ve recently reread Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" and it exceeded my expectations from when I read it years ago. It took me on a thrilling and rather surreal journey through the fictitious underworld of London.

From the very beginning, Gaiman drew me in with his vivid descriptions of the bustling city and the mundane world of Richard Mayhew, the protagonist. The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Richard helps an injured young woman and becomes immersed in a dangerous and supernatural world. The plot is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.

The world-building in "Neverwhere" is nothing short of remarkable. Gaiman's imagination brings to life the vivid and fantastical setting of “London Below”, a parallel universe that exists beneath the streets of London. He creates a fascinating and complex society of outcasts who are living in the shadows and forgotten corners of the city. The individual characters are just as captivating, each one with their unique backstory and quirks that make them feel like real people.

Gaiman's writing style is eloquent, descriptive, and immersive. He has a way of painting a vivid picture with his words that makes the story come to life in my mind. I found myself completely lost in the story at times.

In conclusion, "Neverwhere" is a fantastic novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy or just a good adventure story.

Four out of five stars.

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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam ( )

Such a strange world ( )