Coraline Summary
Coraline is a children's novella by British author Neil Gaiman, and was published in 2002. The book has since been adapted into various mediums, including a graphic novel and a movie. The Coraline audiobook is read by Gaiman himself and was released in 2006.
The story follows Coraline Jones, a young girl who moves into a new home with her parents. The house is divided into several flats, and Coraline's family occupies one of them. Coraline is unhappy with her new home, as her parents are always busy and do not have much time for her. In her boredom, she discovers a secret door in the living room that leads to a parallel universe that seems like a perfect replica of her own home.
However, Coraline soon realizes that this parallel world is not as perfect as it seems. The people in this other world are similar to those in her own, but they have black buttons sewn over their eyes. The Other Mother, who initially appears to be kind and welcoming, reveals herself to be a sinister and manipulative figure who wants to keep Coraline in the parallel world forever.
As Coraline tries to escape from the Other Mother and return to her own world, she meets other characters who help her along the way, including a black cat who can talk and a boy who has been trapped in the Other Mother's world for years.
One of the major themes of Coraline is the power of imagination and the importance of bravery. Coraline must use her imagination and creativity to outsmart the Other Mother and find a way back to her own world. Additionally, Coraline's bravery is emphasized throughout the story, as she faces various challenges and obstacles in her quest to return home.
Another important theme is the value of family and the idea that love can conquer all. Although Coraline is initially frustrated with her parents, she realizes how much they mean to her when she is threatened with losing them forever.
Gaiman's writing style is engaging and captivating, making Coraline a thrilling and eerie read for both children and adults. The audiobook, read by the author himself, adds an extra layer of depth to the story, as Gaiman's expressive narration brings the characters and setting to life.
In conclusion, Coraline is a captivating and thought-provoking children's story that emphasizes the power of imagination, bravery, and the importance of family. The audiobook version, read by Neil Gaiman, is a wonderful way to experience the story and is highly recommended for fans of the book or those new to the story.
