The Ocean

I love the concept of the healing ocean that can give you power and knowledge. It reminds me of the waters around Avalon, in the King Arthur myth.

End of the Book

The ending made me sad, the final chapter and the epilogue. Its kind of typical though. You have a little kid do what he thinks is best for the world and someone has to go and stop him.

Also, I wonder if his heart really got rippled out as Ginnie said it did or if only Lettie got ripped up? The different memories of what happened makes it hard to focus at times.

Ending with the cat was touching and I was close to crying when I read how he had brought her back.

And when Lettie was looking down st him with the moon eyes, or when she was evaluating if it was worth saving him, well it was touching.


What really hit me though was how they were like ghosts. MC never really remembers what happened, and it makes me sad to think that Old Mrs Hemstock has to change his memory of what happened "because its easier that way."

And the symbolism of him growing a new heart!


Though this book gas some parts that makes me annoyed (as a writer), Neil Gaimen made a good novel. In the end, I like how this turned out. The concepts, the loss, all of it made me feel. It seems like there's just so much to encompass in this, and he pulled it off well.

Gaiman's writing and grammar

I think that it is interesting how Gaiman tends to use a lot of ands in one sentence. For example: "Which sounded friendly and true and real, and had no flapping rags in it" (64). I feel like this makes the writing sound more like an 11 year old. Have you guys noticed a strange writing techniques?

The worm

I found the chapter about the worm in his foot really disturbing and disgusting. I feel like the concept of the worm and the other things that are happening to he, such as his chest pain and Ursula are the things that Lettie feels like she needs to protect him from. The part where the boy let goes of Lettie's hand allows the evil into the boys life and makes it harder for Lettie to protect him.

A Question?

What do you guys think is Ursula's purpose in the book and how did Lettie get rid of her?

Looking Back

The main character in the next section of reading really goes deep into his memories. He remembers his experiences through the eyes of a boy, but as he looks back he is able to understand more. For example, when he saw Ursula and his father in the room he did not understand what they were doing, but looking back he now now understand that his father was having some kind of affair with the housekeeper. This makes me reflect on how it is feeling like a kid because as a kid we think we know everything, but as we mature we understand the world more and are able to reflect on our lives.

Cat Symbolism

As Kirsten brought up, cats appear to be a recurring symbol in the book.  I agree, and I was curious about the different things that cats symbolize.  I found this website that explains all the representations cats can be interpreted as.  I think it's interesting how cats are connected to supernatural things, intuition, intelligence, secrets, and watchfullness.  All of these qualities strongly connect to the story, specifically the Hempstocks, who have unique powers and extreme intuition.  It also says that in Ancient Rome, the cat was considered the guardian of homes, which can connect to the MC's new kitten keeping him safe from the evil.  He found his new kitten in the field right as Ursula was about to attack him.  Shortly after, Lettie arrives, saving him.  I definitely think there is a connection.  Yay for interesting symbolism! :)
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/cat-animal-symbolism.html