Neverwhere

It was my fault that this book didn't grab me from the off , I haven't previously read any of the authors other offerings and the fantasy setting of London Below just had me bewildered for the first quarter of the story . So glad I stuck with it and after 'concentrating ' a bit harder was drawn into this imaginary alternative world . The lead character is wimpish and also takes time for you to side with him and I was wanting to shout at him to "grow a pair !" more than just a few times ! but eventually I enjoyed him as I did most of the other characters especially the cunning Mr Vandamar and Mr Croup ,cartoon baddies with an evil streak indeed ,but conversely some of the hero characters were a bit vague . I'll check out more of the authors books when I get a chance.

This is a great read and typically in the great Neil Gaiman style, dark, very dark, but hilarious, frightening in places, but full of the best things in life too, loyalty, kindness, strength in adversity, humour, true friendships and sacrifices for those friendships.



The characters are great, and the main one is likeable and builds, as you read/listen, into a person of true integrity. It is the ultimate 'grown up' fairy tale, and is cleverly devised, with reference to the book's play on real places in and around London (you do not need to be familiar with theses places), and how they came to be called what they did. It is also, in the vain of the best fairy tales, full of moral examples of good and bad 'reaping as they sow'.



I thoroughly enjoyed the first, second and third listen, yes really its one of those listens that you want to start again as soon as you have finished it's that good!.

I first came across Neil Gaiman when I took the Kids to see Coraline. Wow even my wife was scared. It was fantastic. Then I came across American Gods. Probably the best book I have ever read. So... My expectations were very high and i was almost bound to be disappointed. Sadly I was. this is a very good book and the story is interesting and very clever. His play on place names is brilliant and the story shocks, amuses and draws you in. So what was wrong. Nothing. My only complaint was the characters did not have the depth of those in America Gods and I wanted them to.

It really is a pleasure to listen to and if you can enjoy this then go to American Gods.

I had never read or listened to a Neil Gaiman book before but I loved this book. Entertaining to the very last page. Would definitely recommend

I was initially sceptical about this tale, I thought it would be twee, as the most of the main characters have interesting names that reflect their characteristics. Once over that it was a fabulous experience, with a rolling feel, and very good coverage of the different threads. I was very impressed with Neil's narration, he caught the different characters vocal nuances and accents very well, to the extent I could tell who was talking without the preface of "...", Hunter said. I have enjoyed American Gods before this, and thoughtits one weakness was the different voices, and wanted to hear more of Neil's precise diction. I am so glad he went to the trouble of doing this one all the way through.

Highly original audiobook and very well read. I will never go on London underground without this book coming to mind.

Enjoyable story and well narrated by the author. I remembered a tv adaptation of the book from years back.

I enjoyed this journey into a subterranean, parallel London where time and space are a little elastic and features of London become living things. Not so keen on the rats (never a big fan). Gaiman's narration is consistent as ever and the plot is fine although you can see certain parts of it coming from a considerable distance but he tells the story effectively and enjoyably. I have given this 4 stars as I did enjoy the book but did not feel it was as good as 'Americans Gods' which reflects the fact that personally speaking I found the characters and plot lines more engaging. Still a very good book which I really enjoyed.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable book - appealing believable characters and interesting plot set in a richly imagined alternative reality. Highly recommended

Great story, I'd just have preferred it read by someone other than Gaiman himself. Perhaps it's the relentless wistful quality or maybe the amateur accents but the narration does begin to grate after a while. Lenny Henry made a fantastic job of Anansi Boys, so he'd be a perfect alternative choice. Still, whatever it's auditory shortcomings, Neverwhere remains a smashing listen and deserves every one of those five stars.