Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune
Fantasy: The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an absolutely delightful novel that would, I think, appeal to readers of many ages. Linus Baker is a “by the book” employee of DICOMY, which is, of course, the Department In Charge Of Magical Youth. “By the book” probably understates Baker’s fidelity to the department’s manual: he purchased his own copy which he reads from regularly and can quote many of the regulations word for word. One day he is called to appear before the Extremely Upper Management and given a classified assignment: check out an orphanage on an island and make sure that things are in order. He is particularly charged with evaluating the man in charge of the orphanage, a mysterious figure named Arthur Parnassus.
The children in this orphanage did not fit in well with regular society, nor even in orphanages with other magical children. Theodore is a wyvern, a small dragon. He is also intelligent, sensitive, and likes buttons. Phee is a forest sprite, who once turned three men into trees when they were threatening her.
And then there is Lucy. His name is actually Lucifer, which makes sense when you realize he is literally the Antichrist, the son of Satan. He is also six years old, subject to nightmares that create localized earthquakes, and has a vivid and brilliant imagination.
In parts whimsical, in parts deeply philosophical, The House in the Cerulean Sea is simply a beautiful story. Linus Baker loves children. Arthur Parnassus loves children. Although they come to the orphanage with different priorities and different ideas of what the children need, their common love creates an uncommon family. In the face of prejudice they stand united and stand strong. In the end, I was moved nearly to tears by the kindness and compassion and love of these characters.
This book is unabashedly a children’s book with a queer love story (the author’s word). Some people may find that objectionable. To them I would say, “Get over yourselves.” The celebration of differences, the power of love, the embrace of the unexpected, all make this a book about a life worth living. Read the book. If your heart is open, you will fall in love with these characters as well.
Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune