The Graveyard Book

By: Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Neil Gaiman

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Here's a fantastic ghost adventure story, laced with menace and humour.

When a baby escapes a murderer intent on killing the entire family, who would have thought it would find safety and security in the local graveyard?

Brought up by the resident ghosts, ghouls and spectres, Bod has an eccentric childhood learning about life from the dead. But for Bod there is also the danger of the murderer still looking for him - after all, he is the last remaining member of the family.

A stunningly original novel deftly constructed over eight chapters, featuring every second year of Bod's life, from babyhood to adolescence. Will Bod survive to be a man?

©2008 Neil Gaiman (P)2008 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"Thrilling, elegant and joyously macabre. You will love it to death." (Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles)

great concept great presentation

Would you consider the audio edition of The Graveyard Book to be better than the print version?

not read the print version but, a professional reader gets the essence of the sentence in his or her tone before the sentence is over , it also lets me get away in my mind as in when i was young my mommy read me stores and it was enjoyebel

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Graveyard Book?

not any one to note over all

Any additional comments?

the writer has put down an in-depth view of a boy growing up and his experience of that growing up mixed with likable monsters. just enjoyable

Outstanding story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

As usual, Neil has written a wonderful story with an actual beginning, middle and end. Unlike some others, the goodies are quite good, and the bad is a bad, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending.

Vivid storytelling

This was an ideal book to hear on audio because the author's voice of his characters was convincingly and colourfully performed.
The story is fantastic, I felt as though I was wandering through the graveyard and seeing a secret world.

Narrator surprise

I was astonished when I finished listening to this & realised that Neil Gaiman had narrated his own work. I was hooked from the first moment both because of the way Gaiman uses language but also his wonderful narration. It is hard to know how much I would have enjoyed the book if I had read it but listening to this book was the most pleasurable audiobook experience I have had so far.
I think what made it so good is that Neil Gaiman immeasurably enhances the characters with his vocalisations. On hearing him utter a single sentence by Bod or Silas or any of the other characters, you immediately get a sense of who they are. It is the happy result of a fantastic author who obviously knows his characters inside out and also happens to be a first class narrator

Awesome story masterfully presented

Neil Gaiman at his best I loved listening to this tale. And again in the second listening with my daughter (7) when on the road in the car. Neil has great characterizations for his characters and being the author shows in the intimate way the tale unfolds.

Strange, but sometimes funny

A mix of fantasy, black humor, you need to get use to it, but it gets somehow funny. Overall story is week however, I wish it was more advanced.

Neil's best work

Highly recommend it. To top it Neil read this one himself and brings each character and scene alive in your head as you flow along.

Original, witty, clever, charming - loved it!

I thought my son might like this. I had a sneaky listen to check it out and couldn't stop listening! While there are some traditional themes (no spoilers, but think graveyard), they are handled in a light, original and very sympathetic way. Very well produced. Well written, witty, perfectly narrated, great music and a raft of rich characters that are easy to relate to - this quirky story has something for everyone.

Beautiful story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely recommended! The story is beautiful, this is truly one of the best books by Neil Gaiman. And he is an amazing narrator..

What about Neil Gaiman’s performance did you like?

Absolutely the best!

A story of becoming…

This is an amazing novel of finding oneself in the middle of an unfamiliar place, while always knowing that a path exists. An age of story of learning who you are and where you truly belong. Well written.