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One of the group reads for December is Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Saar will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during December 2020.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I listened to this book a few years ago and remember how much I enjoyed it read by the author. Thought I’d pop into this thread and recommend the audio if anyone was borrowing it from the library and had that option. Neil Gaiman has a fantastic reading voice.

I've started and almost at the end of chapter 1. It seems to me that I have an adjusted version for Americans, like Neil Gaiman said in the author's word. I don't know what versions you all have, but in this one, there are things let out and things added. Also, I love the illustrations!
In chapter 1 there is:
(view spoiler)[the introduction to the history of London and immediately, when Neil talked about the celtics, I thought about the book /book/show/9...
It's an interesting book!
So far: Richard seems to be a nice smart boy, but with his head all over the places. Culture and history doesn't mean a thing to him, so it's strange that he's got a relationship with Jessica. I just don't like her. Now who is 'Door'? She is hunted by 2 villains who are wanting her dead, but why? (hide spoiler)]

Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started and almost at the end of chapter 1. It seems to me that I have an adjusted version for Americans, like Neil Gaiman said in the author's word. I don't know what versions you all have, b..."

I own this copy by Avon New York. It doesn't have anything at the front saying it's been altered so I'm not sure if it has. I can't start reading it though until the middle of the month.

On the cover it says: the author's prefered text.
It's this edition: /book/show/3...

I read this several years ago and have forgotten a lot of it, so I picked it up to do a quick re-read. I am not a huge Neil Gaiman fan, but I enjoy his work well enough and I remember this as being my favorite of the work that I read. I'm looking forward to refreshing my memory and discussing.

I read this a few years back and loved it. Looking forward to reading all your comments.

I am waiting for my copy. I love Gaiman

I'm jumping into this one having read The Haunting of Hill House with y'all back on October. The first thing that struck me in the prologue was (view spoiler)[ the appearance of the old lady who tells Richard his fortune. It immediately reminded me of the old lady from Hill House that Nell bumps into in town before setting off on her ill-conceived summer adventure. That lady (if I recall correctly) never showed up again in the novel. I wonder if this Scottish version will be likewise a quickly disappearing oracle! (hide spoiler)]

I listened to this one and loved it too. I will be watching the spoilers to see what they bring back. I remember parts of it, but could not tell someone the story at this point. 😊

I only remember enjoying this book and just an overview of the the plot. I think this was my first Gaiman book and it was before I got into audiobooks. I absolutely LOVE him as a narrator so I am really looking forward to rereading (listening) to this one. I started today and one thing I noticed is (view spoiler)[ the way he names characters reminds me of The Graveyard Book where the names give you a sense of the character. (hide spoiler)]

Yes, you're right about that Katrisa. My first book of Neil Gaiman was 'The Graveyard book'.
In 'Neverwhere' Jessica makes me think of (view spoiler)[Mrs. Bouquet from 'Keeping up Appearances'. (hide spoiler)]

I just started Ch 4. I just really love the atmosphere. (view spoiler)[I loved the Puss in Boots reference with Marquis de Carabas and how he used cat-like ways to describe him. Gaiman is such a myth and folklore genius - I love how he weaves them into his stories!

I wonder if Richard is right and Door did know he would essentially disappear in his world? If so, that's pretty messed up since he blew up his own life to help her.
And so far as villains go, I have really enjoyed Croupe and Van de Mar (sp? I am listening so I am not sure). (hide spoiler)]

I just finished Ch 5 (view spoiler)[ I can't believe how long it took for Door to decide to help Richard! I mean, he blew up his life to help her and she just abandoned him without even warning him about what would happen. Then when he tracks her down at the market she initially just leaves him again! Not cool! (hide spoiler)]

@Katrisa:
(view spoiler)[Richard just became invisible to everyone. I don't know if it's real invisibility, because some people can still see him, but don't recognize him. He lost everything and everyone, because of helping Door. At least she could've told him what the consequences were. Yes, they are called Vandemar and Croupe and it seems that they are working for somekind of boss. I felt so sorry for Anaestesia! She was so kind and sweet and then they crossed the Night Bridge and she died. (hide spoiler)]

I'm almost finishing chapter 5, but I love the writing style and the word games that he use. He seems to choose his words very carefully so it fits perfect in the scenes.

And also:
(view spoiler)[It's interesting how the system with the doors work: the white room has pictures of other rooms and you just need to put your hand on it and then you're in it. I wonder why Vandemar and Croup killed Door's parents. (hide spoiler)]

Loving reading all your comments. I had forgotten so much. I'm actually tempted to reread which I very rarely do.

Sarah wrote: "Loving reading all your comments. I had forgotten so much. I'm actually tempted to reread which I very rarely do."

I'm thinking the same thing! I have the book from the library and I thought I'd skim through and be able to comment, but I'm thinking I will have to really read it again.

I just searched my kindle for the book but it seems I don't own it. I must have borrowed it from the library when I read it last.

Going to borrow a copy and join you. I see I first read the book in 2013.

Sarah wrote: "Going to borrow a copy and join you. I see I first read the book in 2013."

I just checked and I also read it in 2013, December.

Saar The Book owl wrote: "I'm almost finishing chapter 5, but I love the writing style and the word games that he use. He seems to choose his words very carefully so it fits perfect in the scenes."

That is exactly why I love Gaiman books - he just uses language in such a fun way! Like Terry Pratchett. Actually, they wrote Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch together didn't they?

Yes, they did indeed wrote it together :)
And 'Good Omens' as 'Neverwhere' were both adapted for TV, I thought.

Steve wrote: "I'm jumping into this one having read The Haunting of Hill House with y'all back on October. The first thing that struck me in the prologue was [spoilers removed]"

That's so funny Steve, I hadn't thought of that (view spoiler)[ At least this crone told us something useful instead of enigmas about leftovers. I also liked how she gave him a coin thinking he was homeless. I wonder if that was some kind of test. But I also thought it was pretty harsh to give away his umbrella that was a parting gift from his friends. I gather a map of the London tubes would be useful later too. Altogether good prologue. (hide spoiler)]

Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started and almost at the end of chapter 1. It seems to me that I have an adjusted version for Americans, like Neil Gaiman said in the author's word. I don't know what versions you all have, b..."

I've finished chapter 1
(view spoiler)[ Yeah I hope that relationship with Jess is over. It was never going to work out. Super curious about Door and these two bad guys. I'm not a fan or Richard yet, he seems like a heart of gold type but needs some more personality. (hide spoiler)]

I've started chapter 7:
(view spoiler)[It's so obvious that the first thing Richard said when the Hunter said she's selling her body, he thought of the obvious thing. Men! I wonder what her story is, though, and why she suddenly turned up. I thought that Varney would be the bodyguard of Lady Door and that would make things also interesting, being on his secret mission. It's a pity that he got killed so soon. I love the way Croup talks. He's definately good with words. I don't want to think about black and orange slug spaghetti! It looks like something for Halloween. The idea to have a court in the train is interesting. Also, it seems that the real world is mingled with London Underneath, because sometimes they got seen by the normal persons, like Lear is receiving money for what he is playing. Lady Door keeps appologizing herself to Richard and I'm relieved that she didn't left him behind, but when is she going to explain why no one can see Richard? She just said something small about it and that was about that. I wonder why De Carabas isn't welcome at the court of the Earl. (hide spoiler)]

Vicki wrote: "Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started and almost at the end of chapter 1. It seems to me that I have an adjusted version for Americans, like Neil Gaiman said in the author's word. I don't know wha..."

I agree on that:
(view spoiler)[Richard is more someone that just travels along with the others. Lots of complaining, and I understand why (he lost everything and is somehow invisible), but still. His personae needs more colour. (hide spoiler)]

I've started chapter 8:
(view spoiler)[Old Bailey is talking about the Great Beast of London. I wonder if it's the same beast that Richard had this dream about somewhere in the beginning of the book. (hide spoiler)]

About chapter 4:
(view spoiler)[The group is crossing the Night's Bridge, but Anaeshtesia doesn't get to the end of it. She just dissapeares. Hunter says that the bridge is only noises in the dark, and the only harm is done by one’s own fear and imagination. Is it Anaesthesia’s fear that takes her? Maybe the Bridge wasn't scary at all? (hide spoiler)]

Saar The Book owl wrote: "Yes, they did indeed wrote it together :)
And 'Good Omens' as 'Neverwhere' were both adapted for TV, I thought."

Oh wow! Is Neverwhere a show too? I would watch this. I loved the Good Omens show.

I am on Ch 12 (view spoiler)[Wow that scene with Richard going mad and talking to "himself" was intense! De Carabas is still an enigma. (hide spoiler)]

So, I finished listening to the audiobook a couple of days ago, and I have been holding off posting because I keep second guessing my initial rating. I gave it three stars. . . (view spoiler)[ which was probably generous, and resting almost completely on how much I liked the premise. Initially it was giving me thoughts of The City & the City with the two simultaneous cities sharing the same footprint, but that didn't last. I really liked the premise, the ambiance, and the narration. But, I felt that it was some very grown up subject matter that was written very YA, which was actually very off putting, like baby-talk at a murder trial. There were a lot of incomplete plot threads and the characters fell flat for me. Really disappointing as I really wanted to love this one, but I just didn't :( (hide spoiler)]

Ok, I won't be joining you after all. My reading mood keeps flipping about like there''s no tomorrow at the moment.

I hear that Sarah, that’s why I’m reading four books 🤪

Yes, it's been the kind of year, Sarah. Read what you are in the mood for in the moment.

Sarah wrote: "Loving reading all your comments. I had forgotten so much. I'm actually tempted to reread which I very rarely do."

I was just reading the spoilers and thinking the same thing too. ;o) I read/listened to the book six years ago. I thought I had listened to a library copy, but I just looked in my Audible library, and it is there!

I just finished re-listening to the last book in a trilogy this morning, and I do not feel like finding an alternate book to read, so I am doing to download Neverwhere and re-listen.

Katrisa wrote: "Saar The Book owl wrote: "Yes, they did indeed wrote it together :)
And 'Good Omens' as 'Neverwhere' were both adapted for TV, I thought."

Oh wow! Is Neverwhere a show too? I would watch this. I l..."

Yes, it was first a show, I thought, and then the book.

No problem, Sarah, I understand what you mean.

Saar The Book owl wrote: "Katrisa wrote: "Saar The Book owl wrote: "Yes, they did indeed wrote it together :)
And 'Good Omens' as 'Neverwhere' were both adapted for TV, I thought."

Oh wow! Is Neverwhere a show too? I would..."

You're right, I just looked it up and the book is a novelization. Gaiman did write the show too. I am going to look up the show for sure!

I have been listening to the book off and on for the last couple of days. As much as I love to listen to Mr. Gaiman, I have to admit that he puts me to sleep if I am not doing something. (I have been doing more napping than listening.).

I am pretty sure that I followed along with a library book as I listened the first time. There are places that I completely remember and others that make me scratch my head. I still love the creepy bad guys. They do such outrageous things. I have 7 hours to go. The last chapter number that I heard was 10, but I think I am beyond that.

I'm on Ch 15 - still enjoying the story and atmosphere (view spoiler)[ The Marquis de Carabas is certainly an intriguing character! Does he have 9 lives? :) (hide spoiler)]
I am hoping to finish this tomorrow.

I have three and a half hours to listen till the end of the video book but I think there is another story at the end. (view spoiler)[ They are in the maze. I hated that Hunter sold them out and that the angel is the one that is the REAL bad guy, behind everything. I remembered before I got there, but I had forgotten so much! I do love how the author describes thing in the “Below� as all of the bits and pieces of things lost and forgotten - even the locations. (hide spoiler)]

Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started chapter 8:
[spoilers removed]"

That's an interesting pick up Saar that didn't occur to me.

Jenn wrote: "So, I finished listening to the audiobook a couple of days ago, and I have been holding off posting because I keep second guessing my initial rating. I gave it three stars. . . [spoilers removed]"
I haven't finished the book as yet but I can totally relate to your comments Jenn. I have been thinking along the same lines.

I'm about to start chapter 10:
(view spoiler)[I was wondering if Richard and Door were set up, because Vandemar and Croup suddenly turned up. They are so fast in finding them and okay, scaring people of isn't just their cup of tea. Also, I find it hard to keep in mind that sometimes people can see others from London Below. It seems that if they really concentrate, like Jessica didn they seems to remember a bit of the person. Also, it's a great book so far, but I miss some action in it. They are now searching for The Angelus, but ther's not much happening. I don't say it's shallow, but I can't put my finger on it... (hide spoiler)]

Kay wrote: "Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started chapter 8:
[spoilers removed]"

That's an interesting pick up Saar that didn't occur to me."

I hope the author comes back to this.

I finished today. Apparently I didn't remember much of the actual plot form the last time I read this because I was surprised by the twists near the end!

hahah - you and me both, Katrisa. I finished listening to the audiobook this morning.

I'm halfway chapter 11:
(view spoiler)[I thought that the Marquis De Carabas was a bit smarter than to trust the 2 murderers giving hem a head start. So far, he's sill alive. I wonder what the silver box is that Old Bailey got and that is giving light. Maybe it's a sort of a signal given by Carabas when in distress? Lady Serpentine seemed very interesting. I wonder if she'll have another role in the story and what did Hunter do for her? Also, I'm curious what happened when the Angel Islington was watching over Atlantis. Was there really nothing she/he could do? I have a feeling that Richard and Hunter share in some way the same dream: searching and hunting for a beast. Serpentine said that Hunter needed the spear, but no further information on it yet. Also, they are now with the Black Briars. It made me think of the riddle of the sphinx to enter the tombe. (hide spoiler)]