Neverwhere discussion

I’m two-thirds through Neverwhere (The Author’s Preferred Text) and came to Goodreads to see if anyone noticed the similarity of the story to (not Alice in Wonderland as touted on the jacket sleeve but) The Wizard of Oz. Instead of Dorothy, there’s a grown-up Rickard Mayhew. Instead of munchkins there are rat-speakers (and rats). Like Dorothy, Richard has three fellow travelers. The scarecrow becomes Door, a young woman who can open any door without touching it. The Lion is Hunter, their bodyguard. The Tinman is the Marquis. The Good Witch of the East is now an Angel. The Wicked Witch of the West is Varney, who too meets his demise early. The Golden Brick Road is the London Underground.

The travelers each seek something. In Richard’s case it’s a return to Kansas – I mean London Above. I haven’t read far enough to decide who is the Wizard.

It’s not all Wizard of Oz influenced. The two despicable characters of Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar remind me of far evil versions of the brothers, Cain and Abel, from the old comic books, The House of Secrets and the House of Mystery.

I’ve just reached the part where Richard begins “The Ordeal.” I’ll try to supplement these initial thoughts after I finish the book.

I read this about a year ago but I'd have to re-read it with your theory in mind to see if it fits. Interesting take for sure.

Kimber wrote: "I read this about a year ago but I'd have to re-read it with your theory in mind to see if it fits. Interesting take for sure."

I couldn't believe my eyes and I laughed tonight when I read this at the top of page 214 (near the end of Chapter 14):
"Lamia looked up at Hunter with delight. "And he can give you a brain," she said, cheerfully, "and me a heart."

Well that pretty much seals the deal. I'll definitely have to read it again. It's one of my favorite Gaiman books.

Kimber wrote: "Well that pretty much seals the deal. . . ."

Kimber,
Check out page 260, mid-page: "Who do you think she is -- the Wizard of Oz? We can't send you home."

Joseph wrote: "Kimber wrote: "Well that pretty much seals the deal. . . ."

Kimber,
Check out page 260, mid-page: "Who do you think she is -- the Wizard of Oz? We can't send you home.""

:D Love it!

<
:D Love it!"

And dare I push it, there's a major tornado type occurrence that transports some characters to a far different place.

I finished Neverwhere, It was a fun read, and fun exchanging messages with Kimber. When I make a dent in the unread books on my bedroom floor I'll give American Gods a go.

Be careful. American Gods is great but I built up a lot of expectation based on hearsay, reviews and word of mouth....I actually liked Neverwhere and Anansi Boys better. Not saying that it isn't wonderful, but don't expect too much before reading. If you like Neil Gaiman check out his collaboration with the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett -
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch - which I absolutely loved.

PS - My floor book pile stands about 22 high. The Kindle I have up in Canada has 82 unread books waiting and the Kindle I have here in Texas has a grand total of *drumroll*... 188 books waiting for me. I'm going to have to read non-stop for a year plus to get through these...and yet I bought Lady Midnight at the grocery store today. *sigh*

I loved Neverwhere and American Gods. I read Neverwhere for a book group a long, long time ago (Bookaccino- great book chat group no longer around) and have loved Neil's books ever since.

Cindy

Cindy wrote: "I loved Neverwhere and American Gods. I read Neverwhere for a book group a long, long time ago (Bookaccino- great book chat group no longer around) and have loved Neil's books ever since.
Cindy"

Cindy (and Kimber)
I don't know if you read the Sandman series. But thirteen years or so after I bought it, I finally got around to reading Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman Endless Nights." It's a graphic novel, except it's more a collection of short stories with a different illustrator for each story. There is one story for each of the Endless Ones. Each story is unique. I couldn't even understand two of the stories, and I read the first one (featuring Death) three times. It is an amazing display of Neil Gaiman's imagination and creativity, and pretty much a must read.

Joseph wrote: "Cindy wrote: "I loved Neverwhere and American Gods. I read Neverwhere for a book group a long, long time ago (Bookaccino- great book chat group no longer around) and have loved Neil's books ever si..."

I have not read the Sandman series - I don't usually like to read collections of short stories preferring the full length books. Have you ever read any of Charles de Lint's books? He has both full length and short story volumes. If you haven't try him out I think you may like them.

Hi Everybody! I'm really looking forward to rereading Neverwhere. It's been foreverwhen since I've read it, so I'll love another chance to revisit.

I've read many of Gaiman's books, the last one being The Ocean at the End of the Lane...so I can't wait to hear what you think of this one!

Susan wrote: "Hi Everybody! I'm really looking forward to rereading Neverwhere. It's been foreverwhen since I've read it, so I'll love another chance to revisit.

I've read many of Gaiman's books, the last one ..."

Neverwhere is one of my favorite urban fantasy books of all time!

I can't wait to dip into it again!

I went to the Library and checked out Neverwhere again! REading it now!

Ugh I love this book so much!

Neverwhere was great! Different kind of fantasy from the YA stuff that's currently popular