The House in the Cerulean Sea

*Sister M wrote this review.

I went in expecting to be delighted, and I still did not expect to love it this much. I found Linus Baker extremely relatable on many levels: a larger-than-average man trying his best to shrink himself into the confines of a life he tells himself is satisfactory; as a person who learned early to follow the rules as they are laid out, exactly as they were laid out; as a person who fades into the background yet feels a profound sense of satisfaction in doing their job. And then, gradually, a person who finds themselves shocked awake.

As a reader, you become immersed in Linus' journey. TJ Klune hits every note of this emotionally powerful story with a precision that leaves me in awe. The pacing is remarkable and, delightfully, allows you to stumble across Linus' discoveries right alongside him. For example, I too fell in love with the children swiftly and without realizing how deeply. I caught on only when the children were verbally bashed, and I wanted to reach through in and strangle the postmaster. Ultimately a story of love and healing, it was an honor and a joy to watch as all these characters came into themselves. TJ Klune dispersed the story's lore in perfectly timed, perfectly woven pieces that enhance but never overwhelm. This culturally rich world, so like our own, is hauntingly powerful. Even in the darkest places and moments, we are shown that there is hope, life, and love. I cried many times while reading The House in the Cerulean Sea, sad tears among the happy and furious. The world TJ Klune created here is one I hated to leave and one I will surely revisit in the future.