Neverwhere : Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Chris Riddell
This is the novel version of a BBC television series written by Neil Gaiman and Lenny Henry and released in 1996. The novel expands greatly on the original series, particularly in the later “Author’s Preferred” editions. The particular edition I own is lavishly illustrated by Chris Riddell, who has illustrated many of Gaiman’s books, and who has a wonderful, instantly recognisable style. When I say “lavishly”, I mean not only that there are many full-page illustrations, but that almost every page has drawings crowded into the margins.
Neverwhere tells the story of Richard Mayhew, a young man who has moved to London to work for a large corporation, but who is disenchanted with his life and even with his engagement to Julia, an attractive socialite. He is bumbling, error- and accident-prone, not in control of his life.
In the stereotypical Hero’s Journey, he is torn out of his everyday life when one night he encounters a strange young woman who suddenly appears as though from nowhere and falls bleeding and unconscious at his feet. It turns out that her name is Door and she is being hunted by a highly creepy pair of assassins. Door disappears suddenly from Richard’s apartment and in trying to find her again, he eventually finds himself in the realm of London Below, an underground world of mysterious forces and very strange individuals.
Gaiman has lots of fun with turning familiar London place-names into strange locations or people in this world: the Knight’s Bridge, a perious crossing, for example; the Angel Islington, a real angel; Old Bailey, who lives on the roof of the law court; or the Earl’s Court, a medieval court ruled by an Earl, all contained within a rattling railway carriage on the London Underground.
But there are some very serious trials ahead for Richard and Door. Richard struggles mightily against terrifying forces and is greatly transformed before returning to his own world a changed man.
Very enjoyable all round.
Like to hear intelligent discussion of books and movies?
Try our podcast Two Chairs Talking !
