A review by illustrated_librarian
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Linus Baker is a forty-something caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He reviews the department's orphanages housing magical children to check everything is up to code, has the Rules and Regulations memorised, and he's never broken a rule in his life. One day, Extremely Upper Management assign him a classified case concerning an orphanage on a remote island in the charge of Arthur Parnassus. It houses only the most "dangerous" children, and suddenly Linus's formerly quiet, solitary life is upended.

This book is so gentle and sweet, I can see why it's become such a beloved read since its release. It examines prejudice and how it is enabled, and the freedom that comes with growing into yourself rather than being what others have told you you are. 

Though it does have a heartwarming queer romance element, the book is more about Linus's interactions with the children and his own growth through that. Once arriving on the island, he quickly realises that not everything can be done by the book (RIP to his beloved copy of Rules and Regulations). His development from empathetic but rigid bureaucrat to a caring champion of the children was lovely to watch, along with his gently developing feelings for Arthur. Did some of the revelations he came to feel a bit didactic? A little. But! I liked how that meant the book would be accessible to a huge range of readers, and I don't think it feels out of place in a modern fairytale-style narrative. 

I will say I was slightly skeptical of this because I don't always love books where children play a large part, as their narrative voices have to be pitched just right. However, Linus's sweetly bumbling narration and the great sections of dialogue between him and the children were balanced so well. There were funny moments, poignant moments, and buckets of joy and silliness.

Basically, this book is a balm. More books about self-expression, queer joy, finding love, and defeating bureaucracy please!!