Coraline
by Neil Gaiman, P. Craig Russell, Lovern Kindzierski, Insight Editions
- First published 2002
- 157 pages
- Spanish
- Classic
When Coraline Jones and her parents move into a new flat, she is left to explore the strange, old house on her own. Behind a locked door in the drawing room, she discovers a bricked-up passageway. But one day, the bricks are gone, revealing a dark corridor to a place that is unnervingly familiar yet dangerously different. This other world is a twisted reflection of her own life, complete with an Other Mother and Other Father who want her to stay and be their little girl. They seem perfect at first, offering her all the attention and delicious food she could want, but they have one disturbing request: that she sew buttons over her eyes.
Coraline soon learns that this alternate reality is a carefully constructed trap, and her Other Mother is a sinister entity with a collection of lost souls. When her real parents disappear, Coraline must summon all her courage and wit to rescue them and the ghost children ensnared by the Other Mother. This is a story that explores the nature of bravery, the comfort of an ordinary life, and the terrifying realization that getting everything you want can come at an unimaginable price. It is a journey into a world of mesmerizing fantasy and unsettling horror that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
Coraline soon learns that this alternate reality is a carefully constructed trap, and her Other Mother is a sinister entity with a collection of lost souls. When her real parents disappear, Coraline must summon all her courage and wit to rescue them and the ghost children ensnared by the Other Mother. This is a story that explores the nature of bravery, the comfort of an ordinary life, and the terrifying realization that getting everything you want can come at an unimaginable price. It is a journey into a world of mesmerizing fantasy and unsettling horror that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
What readers say
4.13
808K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
The reviews consistently praise the book for its captivating and engaging storytelling, with many readers finding it difficult to put down. Neil Gaiman's writing style is frequently highlighted as beautifully crafted, non-pretentious yet brilliant, with every word serving a purpose to create a rich and immersive experience. The atmosphere is widely described as delightfully dark, creepy, eerie, and spooky, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy a touch of suspense. Coraline herself is celebrated as a strong, brave, clever, and independent protagonist whose adventures resonate with readers. Many reviewers also commend the book's broad appeal, noting its ability to charm both children and adults, and its effectiveness in breaking reading slumps due to its concise length and flowing narrative. The audiobook, narrated by Gaiman, is particularly recommended for its enchanting quality, making the story feel like a personal campfire tale.
Despite widespread acclaim, some readers found the book to have a slow start, taking a while to fully draw them in. A common point of contention is that the story, while generally appealing to a wide audience, might be too scary or disturbing for very young or easily frightened children. For adults who had previously seen the popular movie adaptation, the book sometimes felt less fleshed out or atmospheric by comparison, leading to a sense of unmet expectations regarding character depth or detailed descriptions. A few reviewers also suggested that the narrative style, while concise, occasionally lacked the fluidity or elaborate detail they prefer, and some adult readers felt the story’s overall simplicity skewed too young for their tastes.
Overall, Coraline is highly regarded as a masterfully crafted, modern dark fairy tale that leaves a lasting impression. It is celebrated for its unique blend of whimsy and chilling suspense, offering profound messages about bravery, self-discovery, and appreciating one's reality. This book is strongly recommended for readers of all ages, though parents of very young children might want to consider the "creepy" factor. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy dark fantasy, spooky tales, or stories featuring courageous child protagonists. Readers looking for a quick, immersive read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, or those who appreciate Neil Gaiman's distinctive narrative voice, will likely find Coraline to be a deeply satisfying experience.
Despite widespread acclaim, some readers found the book to have a slow start, taking a while to fully draw them in. A common point of contention is that the story, while generally appealing to a wide audience, might be too scary or disturbing for very young or easily frightened children. For adults who had previously seen the popular movie adaptation, the book sometimes felt less fleshed out or atmospheric by comparison, leading to a sense of unmet expectations regarding character depth or detailed descriptions. A few reviewers also suggested that the narrative style, while concise, occasionally lacked the fluidity or elaborate detail they prefer, and some adult readers felt the story’s overall simplicity skewed too young for their tastes.
Overall, Coraline is highly regarded as a masterfully crafted, modern dark fairy tale that leaves a lasting impression. It is celebrated for its unique blend of whimsy and chilling suspense, offering profound messages about bravery, self-discovery, and appreciating one's reality. This book is strongly recommended for readers of all ages, though parents of very young children might want to consider the "creepy" factor. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy dark fantasy, spooky tales, or stories featuring courageous child protagonists. Readers looking for a quick, immersive read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, or those who appreciate Neil Gaiman's distinctive narrative voice, will likely find Coraline to be a deeply satisfying experience.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- SALAMANDRA, 2021
- ISBN
- 9789585305984
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Coraline Originally published in 2002 · English · Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London
