Fantasy Annotation: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Author: Neil Gaiman

Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Genre: Fantasy

Publication Date: June 3, 2014

Number of Pages: 181

Geographic Setting: Sussex, England

Time Period: Present Day

Series: N/A

Plot Summary: The narrator of The Ocean at the End of the Lane remains anonymous throughout the story, even though he is the main character. As an adult, he returns to his small childhood town in the countryside, and begins to reminisce about his childhood. This is where the actual story begins. Our narrator lives a fairly normal childhood until a man who was staying with his family commits suicide. Paranormal things begin to happen, and a new housekeeper, Ursula Monkton comes to live with his family. The narrator quickly discovers that she has ill intentions toward him and his family, but he is unable to prove this to his parents as Ursula fools all of the narrator's family to gain their trust. The narrator seeks help from a neighbor girl, Lettie Hempstock. With her help, the narrator seeks to uncover the truth of all the strange events that have been happening, and save his family from Ursula.


Appeal: The Ocean at the End of the Lane provides a fantasy story set in the real world, something that Neil Gaiman has mastered over his many stories. For those who want a fantasy story while being grounded in a familiar place, this novel is a must-read. In Gaiman's usual style, it is very dark and creepy, giving the reader chills while experiencing the author's expert fantasy narrative.

Three terms that describe this book: Creepy, Awe-inspiring, Supernatural

Similar Authors and Works:

Perfect by Rachel Joyce
This is not a fantasy story, but it does feature a child growing up in a harsh environment, and working through the pain. It also takes place in England, in a similar environment. This provides the setting and character motivations featured in The Ocean at the End of the Lane, while maintaining a more realistic story.

Fire and Hemlock by Diane Wynne Jones
While this book is targeted more toward Young Adult readers, it has many similar elements in the story. both stories are fantasy tales that take place in England, and feature children as the protagonists. The children in both stories have to save their families from an evil woman, and experience mystical events along the way. It is not quite as dark as Gaiman's works.

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
This book is another fantasy story with dark themes. Perhaps a bit darker than The Ocean at the End of the Lane, this book is definitely a horror tale as well as a fantasy one. It is also set in England, and features a child protagonist, though it is set in the Word War II era.