Neil Gaiman, the macabre author of "Neverwhere," "American Gods" and the popular "Sandman" graphic novel series, has struck gold again with his latest novel, "Coraline."
This book may be labeled for young readers, but don't let that fool you.
Inside is enough dread-inspiring imagery to shake the most hearty of readers. Not to say that this book is not for children, it's just not for the weak-hearted.
In its dark landscape lurks a classic fairy tale with strong messages about bravery and love.
Coraline was a small girl who liked to explore. In her family's new flat she found 14 doors, 13 of which led to other rooms. The 14th did not. Behind the 14th door - which was unlocked by the largest, blackest, rustiest key - was a red brick wall.
That is, until the night that the wall was gone and Coraline found another world to explore.
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Through the first 13 doors, Coraline meets such characters as Misses Spink and Forceable, two retired performers and recreational seers.
She also meets a strange old man who lives upstairs with his mice and a black cat, that for the time being, seems content with avoiding our inquisitive heroine.
Everything seems normal and drab, until the discovery of the 14th door that goes nowhere. Through the door Coraline goes, to find a mirror image of her house and family.
In this other world there are wonders so strange that Coraline can barely believe it. A toy box with fluttering angels who flap around the room like tiny birds, talking animals and delicious meals just to name a few.
However, something is not right at all.
For starters, Coraline's other mother, and all the inhabitants of this other world, have large, shiny black buttons sewn in place of human eyes.
This modern day fairy tale is carefully crafted with deliciously twisted details and delicately placed imagery that wanders between whimsical and sinister with such fluidity that the reader is left in a state of shock.
If you want a quick and easy read, this may be a book for you. If you don't want to be left with an uneasy feeling deep in the pit of your stomach and an unsettling fear of black buttons, then do yourself a favor and leave this book where it sits.
