The prose of Mr. Gaiman brings the illustrations of Mr. McKean to life, while Mr. McKean brings the people of Mr. Gaiman's imagination to visual reality in such a convincing fashion that it is impossible to imagine any other faces or figures gracing the pages of their work.
In a fit of hyperbole the New York Times called Coraline "One of the most frightening books ever written," which is highly unfair flattery, as that sort of thing will only disappoint people and give them the wrong impression of what the book is truly like. This is a beautiful book with all the grace and style of a well executed drawing or choreographed dance. To simply call it a scary book diminishes the efforts of the writer and the illustrator.
Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean have created a new classic children's book along the lines of the books I remember with fondness from my own childhood. Even though there are moments that are frightening in this story, the main feeling that a child or adult reader will be left with is wonder. Which is how it should be whenever we finish a story.
Article comments
1 - Snarkattack
Great Richard, you just made my list of books to read even longer! Including this and the ones you mentioned towards the start of the review. Can't wait to hunt this title down though.
This does sound good, and similar to Stardust. Have you read it? I do recommend it, it's just magical and made me feel like a child all over again. The illustrations are sublime and the story is just...sigh! It's so beautiful.
2 - Richard Marcus
Gem
half way through Stardust and review will be up soon.
Richard
3 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
4 - Snarkattack
I just saw your Stardust review posted up! Am off to read it.
5 - joe
i liked the book coraline i did it for a progjac
6 - Brit
I think the world in one dimenson completely turn around by one world of the other mother being 2 face at using coraline to suck the soul out of joy and happiness.