An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected placeand realizing that family is yours. They only knew because he informed them, and I daresay some of his haters only learned about the Sixties Scoop and residential schools because he chose to use his platform to talk about it. Thank you for this insightful comment! An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected placeand realizing that family is yours. I have Midnight Library in my kindle queue! Later in his childhood, he began writing original stories. Lucy frowned. The prose is a touch wooden in places, but fans of quirky fantasy will eat it up. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, published 2020 *Mr. Like-minded people building it up to a roar. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is an uplifting, heart-warming fantasy tale that's become a New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post bestseller. Linus is chosen for his strict rule-following and thorough reports, so he's charged with investigating a peculiar foster home of magical children. As for the charge of trivialising an actual tragedy, I think one has to decide for themselves if a story can trivialise something it literally does not reference in the text at all, even though the author may have drawn inspiration from it. He is also an advocate for better LGBTQ2+ representation in novel, wishing to see more asexual characters like himself reflected in books.[4]. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! My Review of The House in the Cerulean Sea {TJ Klune}: So the book begins with a girl levitating blocks above her head. That trauma may be impacted by the author expressly taking the crimes against their ancestors and turning them into a whimsical story where the victims (the magical beings/indigenous people) are happy in their boarding home. [17][18], His stand-alone fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is a New York Times Best Seller and has been named by The Washington Post as one of 2020s Best Feel-Good Reads. I loved how the author cleverly wove quantum physics into the story. It was my favorite part of the whole week and Im missing it today . All rights reserved. The House in The Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune is a multi-award winner. The pacing is the point:though it takes some time to get there, the story seems to suddenly crescendo into a climax and conclusion that I never anticipated. Not that that makes it any less fantastical. Please refer to the information below. A lot of what makes the romance in "The House in the Cerulean Sea" great is the idealism, and the worldbuilding is wonderful in how it fully commits to a world of magic, leaning into the silly and the absurd at times. and our The messages about acceptance, loyalty, and tolerance are beautiful, as are the themes about embracing diversity and valuing people for their character. Theyre a story. Oh, he understood why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need for it. Btw, I also really enjoyed Midnight Library. I alternated between smiling to myself and tearing up when I read it. Contents 1 Trigger Warnings 2 Representation 3 Tropes 4 Controversy 5 References Trigger Warnings Abuse (mentioned) Anxiety (trauma-related) Bigotry Body shaming Bullying Child abuse (backstory) Fatphobia (internalized) Homophobia Microaggressions He wrote a general story about discrimination and kindness using magical children as his allegorical stand in for marginalised people, a concept he conceived of even beforehe stumbled on the history residential schools. Brittle and thin. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he's never even heard of. Yes! It was really well-written and heartfelt. Why do you think so many such tales involve islands? This is why we have driven this gay man tothoughts of suicide? On its own. I hate books in this genre, I hate television shows in this genre, I HATE movies in this genre. I hope youll like the other two. [2] The book is about a man named Linus Baker who travels to Marsyas Island as a representative of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. In much the same way, I think the people who have picketed and railed against The House of the Cerulean Sea in recent weeks probably also hold the sincere belief that they are doing something good and positive. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. Maybe one of them doesnt like fantasy books and everyone else does lol. Right out of the gates, it has a lot about it that I love in fantasy novels: Who is just a regular person in a world where magic exists. A message we need. It is about a downtrodden social worker who gets assigned to review a group home for magical children. Just for the record, it wasnt actually a moving statue. And I understand why they did it. But the children arent the only secret the island keeps. [2] Klune's writing influences include Stephen King, Wilson Rawls, Patricia Nell Warren, Robert McCammon, and Terry Pratchett. I put to you that not even Mr Klunes harshest critics believe that a reasonable person reading this book would come away with the idea that indigenous children should be forcibly adopted by white parents or placed in residential schools. I usually blog each morning while my son takes an online class but last week I traded that in for daily breakfast in bed with my daughter while we snuggled up to watch iCarly. Maybe I will give it another try one day. . ' The House in the Cerulean Sea' is a fantasy - romance novel written by TJ Klune. In the words of Helen, "A house isn't always the house we live in. *, *Leaving a positive review on myFacebook page*, The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE, The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE, I'm the blogger behind www.bookcoffeehappy.com! Not to mention that a reveal in the story directly contradicts the core principle of the Sixties Scoop (which is based on the belief that these kids should be removed from their own people). Klune has spoken about how his asexuality influences his writing. It offers up the absurd fantasy that one man doing small, achievable acts of kindness in the right place at the right time can change the world. He isnt taking up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers. The House in the Cerulean Sea is brilliant and gentle, the narrative slipping on like a well-worn sweater while performing a certain magic that makes it all feel fresh. Also easier to follow than some other fantasy books Ive read. So its not an accident, and its impossible to give him the benefit of the doubt that it is an accident. I believe that Mr Klune wrote this book with the sincere hope that he would be adding something good and positive to the world. There are many villains in the world, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is one of them. Do you see anything similar happening in your own day-to-day life? About the author (2021) TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries and more. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management hes given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Yes I went in with a nervous energy but I really dont think that hindered my acceptance of any of it. Third, because the author is on the record about the inspiration of the book, the link isnt tenuous. Just like I always tell all of you to do! [7][8], Klune's love of writing began as a child in the 1980s, where he would write fan fiction about his favorite action-adventure video game Metroid. Due to the prevalence of pen names in M/M romantic fiction, he wrote under the pseudonym TJ Klune. The message is strong and the subtle character nuances make it very fresh and important for our time. , Ha ok good to knowbut.you just lost me at little gnome girl. Reblogged this on Salvation and Shenanigans. It wasnt easy to say goodbye to Lucy and leaving him with his newfound family when we moved our entire household from one island to another last year, and I cannot help but think of him as I read the explanation for Lucys name in T. J. Klunes The House in the Cerulean Sea. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will probably love this book! I loved this book. Trivialising the tragedy by turning it into a feel good fantasy analogue story. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place--and realizing that family is yours. Librarian insisted that this descriptor be added. Beautifully written tale of magic and transformation. Casting the romantic leads as two gentlemen in their forties gives the story something new and jaunty, but The House in the Cerulean Sea otherwise treads the tried-and-true household of magical misfits theme. Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. And you know what? I so appreciate you sharing another perspective. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. What do you think is the enduring appeal of this theme, which sometimes takes the shape of magical kids in a school? As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Once I got acquainted with the characters, their situation, and Linus Baker's mission, the book took a bit of a leisurely pace. So, this is it? It's the type of book that reminds you of being outside on a sunny day with a cool breeze blowing through. And then the main character meets a sprite. Families can talk about the setup of of kids with unusual powers gathered together in an orphanage in The House in the Cerulean Sea. If you can get past the weirdness, its such a cute story of found family and love. Follow. I simply lack the uncompromising purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing. A dangerous task. The island is home to six magical kids, including Lucifer aka "Lucy" - the son of the devil. Sorry it wasnt your thing. On the long side for some middle grade readersbut a great choice for other kids who are reading above grade level but not ready for typical YA/adult content. I think it is also important to believe that no matter how imperfect or flawed we are, we are still capable of making meaningful changes to the world we live in. literature, namely Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street and Toni Morrison's Jazz. As James Baldwin wisely noted "Children have never been very good at . If we do not believe these half-lies, these fables, why do we even try? Sent to report on a remote boarding school, its unusual master, and its even more unusual students (one of whom is believed to be the 6-year-old son of Satan), Linus soon learns there's quite a bit he hasn't been told. The House in the Cerulean Sea. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult fantasy novel, originally published on March 17, 2020. The heartwarming, imaginative story follows a caseworker on an island of magical youth. It brings heartwarming moments, sure to bring a smile to any reader's face and just a general fuzzy feeling at the end of the book. TJ Klune's book tells the story of children with magical abilities who have been removed from their families to live in an orphanage. This book reminds me of Harry Potter in so many ways. ', "'Like you're mad. Unusual, compelling tale sends girl, readers on grand quest. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy novel by TJ Klune, published in March 2020. Its the same reason why Mr Klune wrote the book, why I love the book, and why they hate the book. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a beautiful fantasy story that begins with Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who has just been assigned a top-secret case. Thank you so much for sharing . Daisy, 11, used her powers to throw a chair at another kid, Marcus. He couldnt believe that such a creature existed without his knowledge. I put to you that not even Mr Klunes harshest critics believe that a reasonable person reading this book would come away with the idea that indigenous children should be forcibly adopted by white parents or placed in residential schools. I love this review so much! Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. Linus Baker is a social worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. 'Did he hurt you? The girl isnt levitating anything, its a metaphor for a hobby or belief that society doesnt approve of, or something she would get made fun of. I cant help wondering ifthey even read the same book I did. I listened to it on audio, where the voiceover artist gave each character their own voice. Already I wasnt into it but I decided to keep reading. Queer romantic fiction and fantasy writer (born 1982). Linus learns that home is more of a feeling than a place. A burning secret. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a queer fantasy novel by TJ Klune, Lambda Award-winning author of The Extraordinaires and the Green Creek series. Now, I shant go too deeply into the history of it all because there have been reams enough written about it but basically, Mr Klune said that while he already figured out the general plot about an Orwellian world where magical children face bigotry and discrimination just for merely existing, the story didnt become clear to him until he learned about the Sixties Scoop in Canada: beginning in the 1950s and continuing through the 1980s, indigenous children were taken from their homes and families and placed into government-sanctioned facilities, such as residential schools. I give The House in the Cerulean Sea four stars. BUT its about real people who do fantastical things. His task, in theory: look into the well-being of the orphanage's six young residents. 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