The House in the Cerulean Sea

God what an amazing book. I was so concerned in the beginning. It started out as one of those books that people call classics but are just stories about some old man who has a woman come into his life who suddenly thinks he is the most amazing person even though he is boring and useless working for big government and never questioning a thing in his life. 

But thank fuck it wasn't like that at all. Instead, it was about this man who is so immensely caring and loving for all the children and with the biggest heart and empathy. Who is also the best fucking ally ever. And slowly but surely he starts to question why he never looked into DICOMY future and how their policies affect the world around him. The most epic character development. 

It truly is like being wrapped in a big gay blanket, I think I could read this book 20 times over and still not have had enough of it. Magnificent. 

A very sweet book that I read quickly and enjoyed most every minute of. For my taste, it was definitely a little too on the nose for its message, but, honestly, it just felt so earnest, it's hard to hold it against it. I will say the weight of some of the “reveals” didn't really land, because of all the things that were over-explained in this book, the reason why some things were important in the fantasy world weren't explained at all.

One of my most common complaints in books are relationships that feel un- or underdeveloped, and I did feel that annoyance in this book, but the story was so much more about family rather than romance, so, again, I ended up not really caring by the end.

One thing, though, and I'm not sure if it just means I'm old and remember too many things, but some passages in this book felt like they were ripped straight from other sources. The description of Arthur's face, down to the crooked nose, was beat-by-beat the original Dumbledore description. A silly scene was nearly word-for-word a scene from Lilo & Stitch; even the italics were in the same spot! It was kind of jarring to be taken out of this story because I was instantly transported into another one.

The House In The Cerulean Sea is a lovely book incorporating unique world-building and Characters. It is a cross between Mrs. Peregrins Home for Peculiar Children, 1984, and a bit of Umbrella Academy. It is a captivating read and has been making the rounds amongst readers this past year with solidly five-star reviews, and it is wholly deserved of its praise; this is a gorgeous book.

“Humanity is so weird. If we're not laughing, we're crying or running for our lives because monsters are trying to eat us. And they don't even have to be real monsters. They could be the ones we make up in our heads. Don't you think that's weird?”

The story's main protagonist is Linus Baker, a gentle soul living a life of quiet desperation. He is a caseworker for a department that is in charge of Magical Youth. While Linus is calm and obedient in most aspects of his life, he is a champion of children and will defend those who can not protect themselves. This sentiment may sound a bit twee, but it comes off as a very authentic aspect of Linus's personality. Linus loves kids and as a caseworker who audits orphanages and makes sure that the children are receiving adequate care.

“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”

Because of the organization Linus works in, it is essential that Linus reports and observes the orphanages with objectivity. He needs to remain impartial and not get attached to the children. Linus generally does this well, as he is a more effective advocate for children when he is an impartial witness. But, even with all that he does for children, Linus is a lonely, unfulfilled person. He leaves the office every night, comes home, argues with his busybody neighbor, and goes to sleep. The only passions he allows himself are a love of music and a grumpy cat that he shares his life with.

On a rather ordinary day, Linus's life changes. Extremely Upper Management summons him. I love how the author creates this level of bureaucracy. Instead of just upper management, we are talking Extremely Upper Management—the people who aren't typically seen but who pull all the levers. They want him to evaluate Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six special kids who aren't human. In this world, Linus is very familiar with the non-human population and has worked with them many times. Even so, this is a strange project to be given.

“Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, and learn from it, we can become better people.”

Linus arrives at the orphanage, and this is where the magic happens in the story. The interactions between the six children: A wyvern, a gnome, a weredog, a green blob, a sprite, and the child of the devil and Linus are charming. It is also an exercise in acceptance. While Linus is unnerved and sometimes terrified by these children, especially in Baby Lucy, he sees their innocence and wants to protect them. He wants to teach them as an elder about courage and kindness, even in the face of townsfolk who don't want their kind around here. Linus has a month on this island, and while he tries to keep his typical objectivity, it isn't easy in the face of the beautiful interactions with the kids.

Additionally, Linus needs to interact with the headmaster of the school. A Mr. Arthur Parnassus, whom Linus is intrigued by, but again tries to remain impartial as he is there to evaluate Arthur as well. The relationship between Arthur and Linus is written as if they are dim lights circling each other, but they get brighter as they get closer to each other. It is a beautiful thing to read.

The entire story is uplifting. I know that many who read fantasy like it dark; I mostly look for morally gray characters and dark fantasy myself. The House in the Cerulean Sea seemed quaint and not something I would typically read when I originally read the blurb. But, there is something about TJ Klunes writing that is wonderful. It isn't quaint or cutesy, but something far more elegant and lovely. The relationships that Linus has, first with the children and then with Arthur, have a healing quality that extends past the character and affects the reader. Marsyas Island Orphanage was healing for Linus's soul after years of stagnation and repression, and it feels healing for readers like me after this long year of suckage. This story is like a warm mug of hot cocoa with a shot of whiskey in front of a fire. This story's message is powerful, and it goes to the top reads of 2020 for me.

Even people who love the darkest and meanest fantasy will get something out of the story, and it is well worth the journey to read it.

3.5
Comecei a gostar desse livro no capítulo 14.
Why is everybody so engaged and freaking out with this book?
People are thrilled. Making a hell of a fuzz.
But, for me, until now (chap14) it is like a Miss Peregrin mixed Supernatural/Angels and Devils stories with self-help vibes. And more than once, I thought I've already had seen something quite like that plot before.
There are tons of good phrases.
The romance was chef kiss (chef's kiss quality approval).
But that... was all?


Vou soltar o verbo:
O livro é bom sim. Escrito de forma fluida, aborda temas pesados (preconceito, abusos, traumas, fobias, gordofobia, um pouco de religião, agressão, vida profissional, o caos da vida pessoal... a lista é boa insira o olhar sarcástico aqui) e aquela levantada de bandeira, de forma leve, “encoberto” (mascarado seria uma melhor expressão) pelas diferenças externas entre humanos e seres mágicos Até a revelação do Arthur que foi ótimo . Traz as frases de efeito, as reflexões sobre a vida, o desenvolvimento da personagem principal - a coragem por tomar decisões arriscadas, apostar no novo, superar os próprios demonios (e quebras de conceitos, como o Linus com relação a seu trabalho e sua função) para encontrar a felicidade que melhor lhe cabe.
Mas... é isso ai.
Nos capítulos finais, naquele momento da revolta falida dos moradores da ilha contra a Casa, Helen fez um discurso bem de mãe emputecida com as crias, jogando umas verdades na cara, e pensei “ah, tá aí o verdadeiro herói dessa merda”.
Os personagens são medianamente desenvolvidos, as crianças principalmente, senti que são resumidas a seus traumas e suas aparências, e as justificativa na falha da personalidade, diálogos ou o porque das coisas, se resume ao fato de serem crianças.
O resto dos moradores, Zoe, os três malucos daquela instituição que esqueci o nome e outras muitas coisa são esquecidas fechando o livro.
Tem buracos da estória, do porque das coisas. Do porque de tudo. De qual época no tempo estamos falando. Tem computador mas não tem celular? A galera está com o mp3 no bolso? Os reports são manuais? (Pensamento mediocre, isso ai, mas estava pensando na carroça na praia e do nada a pessoa está com a alma sendo sugada pela tela de retina como qualquer proletariado do século XXI).
A narração por Daniel Henning foi muito interessante, e deu uma visão dinâmica de alguns momentos mais lentos e iniciais da estória, porém, por ver a hype e pessoas emocionadas com esse livro, me pergunto se ele não é um “material de leitura”, um livro que funciona melhor sendo lido ao invés de contado.
Ou seja: posso ter ouvido errado? Sim. Escutei as 6h da manhã e voltando do trabalho, veja bem. Há um cansaço pesado em cima.
Enfim, bom livro, mas não tudo isso.

During such a time of uncertainty I am so thankful to have read this book.

It hits so many key things that I enjoy: fantasy (lite), queer characters, and a sense of whimsy.

In many ways it gave me the same sense of wonder that Nevermoor did when I first read it. What makes this book so special is how it quietly it handles being misunderstood for just being yourself. As someone who hardly ever cries I was teary-eyed by the end by how hopeful the story ended.

Also! We were really left hanging on the long awaited kiss. It was well worth it when it did happen.

Thank you McMillian-Tor/Forge & Netgalley for an arc!

This book is amazing! I fell in love with it-it made me laugh and cry. The characters are well developed, all of them no matter how big or small a role they played. Linus Baker's growth and change from start to finish was well written. Although Linus is the protagonist, Lucy and Chauncey totally stole my heart.

As I was reading (and giggling throughout) I told my husband I would have to buy my own copy, as this is a book to revisit when in need of some comfort or laughs.

This book really didn't work for me. The first quarter dragged on. The middle was definitely the best and the ending felt flat. Honestly at times I felt like I was reading a Middle Grade book (which, is it??? Am I missing something here????) - every conversation between Linus and the Magical Youth constantly was hard driving “lessons” into my brain about how to treat others different from us. It was beyond repetitive, and so much so that with every conflict you knew exactly how it would be resolved, nothing was surprising and it left me with distaste.