• The Ocean at the End of the Lane

  • A Novel
  • By: Neil Gaiman
  • Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
  • Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (24,634 ratings)

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The Ocean at the End of the Lane  By  cover art

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

By: Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
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Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2014

Audie Award Finalist, Fiction, 2014

Sussex, England: A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. He is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet sitting by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean), the unremembered past comes flooding back. Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie - magical, comforting, wise beyond her years - promised to protect him, no matter what.

A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. A stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark.

©2013 Neil Gaiman (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Featured Article: The Best Neil Gaiman Listens of All Time


"I make things up and write them down"—that’s how Neil Gaiman has humbly described his work. And he must be pretty good at it too, because many, many people count themselves as fans. He’s written novels, short fiction, nonfiction, comic books, books for children, graphic novels, films, and audio dramas in genres from mythic fantasy to horror. With so many Neil Gaiman works to get through, here's what you won’t want to miss in audio.

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What listeners say about The Ocean at the End of the Lane

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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Gaiman Does it Again

Gaiman is such a great storyteller, and this book is another great example of how enchanting his stories are.

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Great story, trigger warning.

Great and meaningful writing here that captivates in typical Gaiman fashion. Be warned though: this book takes a deep dive into the psychological impact of child abuse. This could be quite upsetting to some readers. It should upset all of us, but if you're not ready for it or otherwise sensitive on that issue for personal reasons it could be a more than difficult read.

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Great Story

Very enjoyable story read by the author. Highly recommend this book to anyone. Hope you enjoy!

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CAPTIVATING

I loved Neil's narration of one of the best novels he has written.

Audible, we need more from Neil Gaiman please!

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was great. gave my SO a panic attack 10/10

ya, know- technically it's horror. technically. really fun fantasy. and of course it's Gaiman so you get to enjoy a bit of the creeps. apparently it was too much for poor boyfriend dearest though on a road trip, so I'd call it a win for Mr.G in causing a true visceral reaction.

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Read this book

Everyone should read this book. It is fantastic. This is a book that wastes nothing and reminds us why we need books.

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wonderful story!

I didn't know what to expect, and I was hooked right from the start. totally worth a listen!

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Still a great

More people should talk about this book. It seems to be a great SECRET. Even in avid reader circles.

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Stunningly Beautiful

I have never read or listened to a Neil Gaiman book before. I am overwhelmed by the amazing and imaginative journey I’ve just taken. I want to hug Mr. Gaiman for this gift. I have no doubt the characters in this treasure of a story will stay with me alway! And I will miss the beautiful, beautiful voice of Neil Gaimon in my ear ❤️ Thank you with all my heart!!!

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Things of the Heart

When one reaches an age when all that was, the places, homes, and persons are no longer, there is only a vast ocean of memory. Mr. Gaiman aptly shines a light over the surface and reveals the intricacies of the fluidity of time and our marks upon it.

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