I am a new fan of the book Neverwhere. I didn't even realize that it had been on TV until I started doing a little research. I LOVE the characters and the storyline, though, and I'd love to discuss the book with some other fans.

Is there a thread already in progress for this? If so, please point it out to me, and I'm there.

I know that long ago, there was a thread about the TV show, as well as some other assorted threads...but they may be so old they're archived. This thread couild certainly start a new discussion, tho!

I just reread the book recently, and really enjoyed it second time 'round, which says lots for the writing (I mean, let's face it: many books can be really disappointing when you go back top them).

A funny thing about the TV dramatization is that when I lived in the States it wasn't available there, and now that I've moved to Britain I can't find it here (will have to try Amazon...).

There ARE a few threads about Neverwhere, but if I remember correctly they were more general threads (ie, "I really like this") or specific (ie, "I don't understand this or that"). But I could be wrong.

Anyway, I'm sure lots of people will be willing to discuss (myself included).

When I first read it I thought it was fun and entertaining. When I read it again I noticed lots of detail Neil had thrown in (Sometimes very subtly) about the depth and scope of London below. There seems to be an ancient connection with Richard or maybe one of Richard's ancestors. Of all Neil's works that I have read I think this one would translate the best to the big screen. This is part due to it was novelized from a television show. American audiences might have a problem with the whole "mad angel thing but... I would love to do the casting for a big budget movie. The favorite role to cast we be that of the Marquis de Carabas. I'll be watching TV and I tell my wife whenever I see a good candidate.

I would like to hear other peoples thoughts on Neverwhere

I didn't realize that the book HAD been a TV program until after I had read the book. Then I had to find the DVDs. They are available on the US amazon.com website, so I assume that they would be available in Britain as well...but who knows? I found my set of DVDs at our local Borders bookstore.

I guess I am very late to the party, but I simply fell in love with the story in Neverwhere. I would also find myself relating first to Richard (if Richard were a woman, I could probably play his part...the person who feels SO over their head!), and then I'd be wanting to be more like Door or the Marquis.

Richard was such a sympathetic and believable character for me.

Thanks!

One thing which puzzled me at first - are all of the people of London Below blessed with long lives? Yes, Lord Portico and his family were killed. Hunter was killed in battle. They all seemed to be 'old' people, though, in the sense of old souls.

And if Richard remains in London Below (hopefully helping Door find her sister), then will he also gain this sense of magic and extra ability?

I hadn't thought about that - a link to Richard's past or Richard's ancestors, but there has to be some kind of a link since Richard was able to see/interact with Door in London Above. It can't be pure chance that she ran into him up there.

I have no problem with the mad angel aspect. I really enjoyed that part. I was also thinking what a fabulous movie it would make.

Who are your candidates for playing the Marquis?

quote:

---

Originally posted by SamanthaJ3:
I didn't realize that the book HAD been a TV program until after I had read the book. Then I had to find the DVDs. They are available on the US amazon.com website, so I assume that they would be available in Britain as well...but who knows? I found my set of DVDs at our local Borders bookstore.

---

The idea was originally that Neverwhere would be a TV series. It was a BBC mini-series, but never moved on from there (wasn't renewed as a series). There's also a possible movie, I believe (wow--I need to catch up on my Gaiman info!).

Neverwhere replaced Red Dwarf, a popular British sci-fi comedy (you can catch it on some PBS stations).

I *do* have to check AmazonUK--my fear is that it's now out of print here, as it took a few years to become available in the States...

quote:

---

Originally posted by SamanthaJ3:
but there has to be some kind of a link since Richard was able to see/interact with Door in London Above. It can't be pure chance that she ran into him up there.

---

Well, it's not so much chance - when Door opens the door that ultimately leads her to Richard, the book says "Somewhere...anywhere...safe..." and then she thought, wildly, Somebody." So she asks for him, though she doesn't know who he is.

If you find some people who want to discuss "Neverwhere", I'd love to as well.

No, Door doesn't know who Richard is, but I don't think that the *somebody* thought led her to Richard as a pure random fluke. I think there has to be more to it than just that...just my opinion, of course.

On the note of locating the DVDs for purchase, I found it on the Barnes & Nobles website. I'm guessing one could order it via the store as well. They're always willing to order my CDs. I'm certainly going to try that, anyhow. A&E seemed to have it as well.

So, wow, I just finished the book myself. It was amazing. I'd be up for discussion.

Door being sent to Richard can't be a coincidense in my opinion. I pesonally find the mad angel concept extremely interesting. I'm curious about the extended life thought, myself.

So let's discuss it, yes? Where to begin? Who is your favorite character in the story? And did you at any time wonder if Richard was 'really' experiencing everything or did you ever wonder if the whole thing took place in his mind?

quote:

---

Originally posted by SamanthaJ3:
So let's discuss it, yes? Where to begin? Who is your favorite character in the story? And did you at any time wonder if Richard was 'really' experiencing everything or did you ever wonder if the whole thing took place in his mind?

---

Well, as typical as it may be, I adore Richard, with his bumbling ways. He had me the moment he defied Jessica to take care of Door. I love that he's this ordinary guy who goes beyond what he ever imagined. Of course, Croup and Vandemar are so truly and wonderfully wicked! They rank among my favorite "bad guys"!

I can't say as I ever thought the whole thing was taking place in his head. Of course, suspension of disbelief has never been a problem for me!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dark Eyed Molly


Well, as typical as it may be, I adore Richard, with his bumbling ways. He had me the moment he defied Jessica to take care of Door. I love that he's this ordinary guy who goes beyond what he ever imagined. Of course, Croup and Vandemar are so truly and wonderfully wicked! They rank among my favorite "bad guys"!

I can't say as I ever thought the whole thing was taking place in his head. Of course, suspension of disbelief has never been a problem for me!

---

Suspension of disbelief has never been a problem for me, either. I had no problem at all relating to Richard throughout the entire story. After that, though, the Marquis was a favorite character of mine.

What did you think of Islington?

Ya know, I never did think Richard was imagining it, but the idea now intrigues me. I think I may try rereading it with that belief.
I'll let you know if it changes anything.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smierna:
Ya know, I never did think Richard was imagining it, but the idea now intrigues me. I think I may try rereading it with that belief.
I'll let you know if it changes anything.

---

Please do! I have no problems accepting what happens to Richard and believing along with him, but one of the things which gives the ordeal at Blackfriars Station its strength is the possibility that perhaps Richard *has* been imagining it all along...

The TV series was interesting, but the book held my interest so much more. You have to see the DVD version of the series because it has a great interview with Neil and commentary with him too.

As far as the possibility of Richard imagining it all... I don't think he is.
The ending tries to confirm that. If he had been imagining it all, he would not have returned to everything he thought he wanted. I suppose you could assume he imagined that as well, but where would be the joy in the story if he did. You can easily read the story with the thought that he has gone crazy, but why? It would make this wonderful tale miserable.

Just want to say I finished Neverwhere last night and it was awesome! I haven't read any of Neil's work since Sandman #50 came out. I had forgotten what I was missing.

If anyone's looking for the DVDs the best place is here: http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=ANE070853

23.97 and free shipping.

i just finished neverwhere this afternoon and logged onto this site so i can talk about it with someone, anyone (well, and I am avoiding a serious deadline, about to turn into richard mayhew myself in a minute, the one in the first chapter) - but i couldn't put it down, kept thinking someone had to make it into a movie. foudn out just now it already is a movie, or a series - anyway.
i didn't want it to be over - what should i read next?

I love the ending scene on the DVD and in the book as well, but I think it plays so well on screen. Richard talks to this homeless woman and asks her if she ever had everything she ever wanted...

The line in the book is great, too, though, when Richard says to her, "But if this is all there is, then I don't want to be sane."