This is an outstanding short novel. Neil Gaiman's work is always beautiful, ephemeral and awe-inducing, always with a touch of nostalgia for the young and old. 
 Why not five stars, then? I'm not quite sure. There was something about The Ocean at the End of the Lane that didn't hold my attention, demand I continue, like American Gods. P'raps it's not fair to judge this novel by that Gold Standard, but if that's a five, then this is less, if only slightly. 
 The characters are generally strong, but I felt a bit rushed... as if the narrator's untrusting memory could have provided us with more... 
 ...and I do desire more. Hopefully Mr.Gaiman will provide more soon.