Just finished reading The House in the Cerulean Sea(2020) by TJ Klune a tender, heartwarming fantasy about a bunch of sweet unrelated individuals coming together to operate as a family.
It follows a lonely caseworker whose quiet life changes when he is sent to evaluate an orphanage for magical children living on a distant island. What he finds there is a home filled with love, acceptance and the unexpected which challenges everything he thought he knew about rules, duty and belonging.
The novel shines in its warmth and optimism. Klune created a cast of endearing, eccentric characters whose quirks add humor and heart to the story. The seaside setting feels like a place you would want to escape to and the book’s message, that compassion and understanding can reshape the world, resonates strongly.
This book is very often described as “a warm hug” by many of its fans, now the thing about a hug is that its only appreciated when its needed. Similarly when you are not in a mood for a sweet, whimsical, escapist fantasy, the same endearing elements hold the potential to rub you the wrong way. The plot is predictable, conflicts resolve neatly and heavy themes like prejudice and institutional control are handled with a fairytale softness. So state of mind and expectations have to be tuned accordingly to get the best experience from this book.
The vibe of the book cinematically feels like a Pixar movie in X-men setting, with the kids from Bob's Burgers and adults from Paddington.
Overall, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a cozy, uplifting read that trades complexity for comfort. Its not a story that surprises you, but one that gently reminds you why kindness and acceptance still matter.
7/10
by Zehreelakomdareturns