A Book A Week

Can you recall the last book that completely caught you off guard? TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea has graced countless best-of lists, with many avid readers passionately declaring it one of their all-time favorites. Nevertheless, having experienced disappointment with hyped books before and considering that the novel didn't fall within my usual preferred genre, Klune's work seemed destined to be one of those titles universally loved but not necessarily deserving of my personal exploration. A couple of years had passed since the release of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and the initial fervor had quieted. The book had slipped off my radar until I noticed it on a friend's recent list of year-end favorites. Intrigued by its enduring acclaim, I finally decided to give the book a read. Surprise, surprise—it surpassed my expectations in ways I hadn't imagined.

Linus Baker lives a life steeped in monotony. His dwelling is a typical abode in an average neighborhood, accompanied by a cunning little cat who grudgingly shares his life. Linus diligently commutes to work daily, strictly adhering to rules and regulations. At 40 years old and carrying some extra weight, he may not strike you as someone destined for anything extraordinary. Linus's seemingly mundane job, however, is far from ordinary. Serving as a caseworker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he oversees the well-being of peculiar children in government-sanctioned orphanages. Unfazed by personality or circumstance, Linus is the epitome of objectivity, unwaveringly devoted to following the rules and content in doing so.

Linus experiences a profound shock when an entirely unexpected event unfolds. Summoned to the office of Extremely Upper Management, he is overcome with worry and fear, questioning why, as an exemplary employee, he would find himself in such a situation. To his surprise, he discovers that he is not facing disciplinary action but is assigned a highly classified case instead. His new task involves investigating Marsyas Island Orphanage, a facility housing children with diverse magical abilities. Rumors circulate that one of these children is none other than the offspring of Satan. Linus must confront his fears and employ his experience and objectivity to determine whether the child is, indeed, the Antichrist.

As I started The House in the Cerulean Sea, I was uncertain about its essence. Klune delivers his fantasy with a straightforwardness that might initially be a bit disconcerting. Rather than meticulously detailing his world's rules, the magic within simply exists, gradually unveiling itself as we progress through the narrative. As someone who seldom delves into the genre, I discovered that this approach resonated more with me than those books that dedicate extensive pages to constructing their worlds. Klune trusts his readers to comprehend the realm he has conjured, and I found myself effortlessly immersed in it.

The protagonist, Linus, embodies the epitome of ordinariness, serving as our conduit to absorb the extraordinary elements of the story. The children in the orphanage may initially appear as various magical beings. As we delve deeper, though, we begin to perceive them for what they truly are—innocent youngsters simply trying to navigate the complexities of life. As Linus acquaints himself with each child and their enigmatic caretaker, a man fiercely protective of his charges, we witness the transformation and understanding that blossoms within him. The narrative evolves into a poignant allegory delving into the essence of love and the worthiness of being loved for simply being oneself. It struck a deep chord with me, and I now see why it has enchanted readers the way it has. Ultimately, The House in the Cerulean Sea unfolds as a love story, a testament reminding us that even those labeled "other" are entitled to the same rights as everyone else.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 8)