Nobody lives in the graveyard........except someone does, and his name is Nobody (Bod for short).
After his parents are murdered, Bod finds himself growing up within the confines of the graveyard, protected by those who come to love him - even if they've been dead for many years. Bod is raised by the ghosts who enhabit the graveyard, and watched over by a guardian, Silas (neither dead nor alive he is able to leave the graveyard to get food and clothing for young Bod).
The story tells of Bod's childhood, his friends and family within the graveyard, and the slow dawning that there is a world outside the gates that one day he (as living person) will have to re-enter.
I really enjoyed this book, which wasn't much of a surprise as I've enjoyed other Neil Gaiman books (particularly American Gods). However this was the first of his children's books that I've read. We gave it to my step-daughter for christmas, and after she'd read it she insisted that we did too!
The story is original and imaginative, and despite the obvious potential for gloom (Bod's parents murdered in the first few pages, and 90% of the story set in a graveyard!), the book is uplifting and fun.
As a quick and enjoyable read I'd certainly recommend it, I have Coraline to read at some point too, but think that will actually be even darker!
March 2010
Lent to me by Caitlin.
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