
An orphaned toddler miraculously escapes his family’s brutal murder and wanders into a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted and raised by its spectral residents. Named Nobody ("Bod") Owens, he grows up protected by a ghostly couple and Silas—his guardian who straddles the worlds of the living and the dead. Bod learns ghostly skills like Fading, Haunting, and Dreamwalking, exploring his unique existence in the liminal space between life and death.
From childhood escapades such as confronting the ancient Sleer, befriending a witch named Liza Hempstock, and enduring a kidnapping by ghouls, Bod's early life is shaped by both whimsical and eerie adventures. As he matures, attempts at experiencing ordinary life—like attending school and making human friends—prove difficult. The return of Scarlet, a childhood friend, intensifies Bod’s internal conflict between belonging in the graveyard or the living world.
The climax unfolds when Bod uncovers that Mr. Frost, a local historian, is in fact "the man Jack"—the assassin who slaughtered his family. Bod entrusts his fate to the ancient Sleer, who entombs Jack within its barrow, sparing Bod. After this, his ghostly abilities fade, and he receives a passport and money from Silas. As he leaves the graveyard, Bod steps into the living world with an open heart, ready to embrace life and identity on his own terms.
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ISBN: | |
Publisher: | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Publication date: | 21/08/2025 |
Pages: | 320 |
Subject: | Horror |
Neil Gaiman is a celebrated British author renowned for his mastery of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Born in 1960, Gaiman’s career spans across novels, short stories, comics, and children’s books, making him one of the most versatile and influential writers of his generation. His breakthrough came with the graphic novel series The Sandman, which earned him numerous accolades and a devoted fan base. Gaiman’s writing is marked by a rich blend of mythology, folklore, and dark fantasy, captivating readers with intricate plots and memorable characters. His works, such as American Gods, Coraline, and Good Omens (co-written with Terry Pratchett), have won prestigious awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards. Gaiman’s distinctive style draws from a wide range of literary traditions, weaving complex narratives that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Beyond novels, Gaiman has also ventured into screenwriting, adapting his works for film and television, including the critically acclaimed Good Omens series. His influence extends beyond books, shaping contemporary storytelling in various media. As an author, Neil Gaiman continues to inspire both readers and writers with his creativity and unique voice, establishing himself as a cornerstone of modern literature. Explore the timeless magic of Neil Gaiman’s stories, where imagination knows no bounds.