Everyone should listen to The Graveyard Book because Neil Gaiman reads it himself. Should that matter? Aside from Gaiman’s amazing voice and entertaining delivery, he wrote the darn thing, so it’s a safe bet that his portrayals are close to the author’s intentions. I’m not advocating that only authors record their works; that’s a horrific thought, since many writers write because they’re socially impaired in some way (too harsh?). But Gaiman has genuine acting talent, and the gleefully wicked humor in the book is as apparent in his voice as a wink.
As for the actual work…darkly delightful! I’m amazed it’s for younger readers — not because kids can’t handle it, but because it is so dark and clever. Believe me, I think kids are entitled to the dark and clever in this world, but publishers seem more interested in adult approval ($$$$).
It’s probably labeled "children’s" because the protagonist is young. Nobody "Bod" Owens is just a toddler when he wanders into a graveyard, unaware that his entire family has been murdered and the killer is looking for him. The graveyard’s residents (noncorporeal) decide to care for Bod. As Bod grows, he wishes he could connect more with his ghostly family since he doesn’t really fit in with the living. In other words, he feels like other adolescents except, with a smattering of supernatural.
Please don’t assume that it’s a typical coming-of-age story, though. Not only did Mr. Gaiman model Bod’s tale on Kipling’s Jungle Book; despite the surreal, the characters are so palpable, you WANT to know them (even the scary ones). I have a small crush on Silas, Bod’s neither living nor dead "godfather" figure. I’m even intrigued by the creepy society of "Every Man Jack" (it has to exist because it’s too wonderfully sinister not to).
I had The Graveyard Book slated for discussion at the Nosy Grown-Ups (formerly Nosy Parents) Book Club meeting in October, but no one attended. I may schedule it again because it is just that good. Please note that Nosy Grown-Ups books are available at the Central Library Fiction Desk, and the discussions are held in Central’s meeting room at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month.
Sorry for the commercial interruption — now please go read (wonderful illustrations in the book) and/or listen to The Graveyard Book. Or, better yet, do both…I did!