Coraline

Title: Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman

Published in: 2002

Date read: 4th November 2023

Score: 4/5

Genre: Childrens' fiction, Fantasy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Coraline" by Neil Gaiman is a dark fantasy novella that blends elements of fairy tale, horror, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling modern classic.

The story introduces Coraline Jones, a curious and adventurous young girl who has just moved with her busy parents into a new, old house that has been divided into flats. Feeling neglected by her preoccupied parents and bored with her new surroundings, Coraline begins to explore.

She discovers a mysterious, bricked-up door in the drawing-room. Her mother tells her it leads nowhere, but later, Coraline finds the door unbricked and leading to a dark, unlit passageway. Driven by curiosity, she crawls through and emerges into a house that is eerily similar to her own, yet subtly (and disturbingly) different.

In this "Other" house, Coraline finds her Other Mother and Other Father. They look remarkably like her real parents but have unsettling black buttons for eyes. Initially, the Other Mother seems wonderful: she cooks delicious food, pays constant attention to Coraline, and offers everything Coraline feels is missing from her life. The Other Father is also more engaging and fun. The Other Mother tries to tempt Coraline to stay forever, but on one terrifying condition: Coraline must allow buttons to be sewn over her own eyes.

Coraline, horrified by this prospect, refuses. She quickly realises that the Other Mother (a powerful, ancient, and malevolent entity known as the Beldam) is not benevolent. She has trapped Coraline's real parents, planning to consume her soul as well, just as she has done with other children over generations, whose ghostly forms Coraline encounters.

With the help of a cynical talking black cat and the strange, eccentric residents of the other flats (Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, and Mr. Bobo and his mice), Coraline embarks on a terrifying quest to rescue her parents and the souls of the ghost children. She must outwit the cunning and dangerous Other Mother in a series of dangerous games, relying on her courage, cleverness, and determination to escape the sinister alternate reality and return to her own world. "Coraline" is a potent exploration of childhood fears, the allure of false perfection, and the value of love and reality over deceptive appearances.

Comments:
I read this because it scared both of my children. I can see why, brilliant book and great for introducing kids to idea that books can bring something other than unicorns and rainbows.

Books that we've read by Neil Gaiman (1):
Coraline (2002)