I was looking for an easy breezy light book and someone recommended me The house in the Cerulean sea. The premise sounded good, a stuck in his way government worker going to a magical orphanage to investigate. The book is not available in Dutch (yet) so I bought the English e-book. What did I think of it? Let’s find out!

The book cover

My first impression of The house in the Cerulean sea

The main character, Linus Baker, reminds me a bit of Ove from A man called Ove. That is one of my favorite books, so it’s a good sign! As soon as he reached the magical orphanage, I continuously have a smile on my face because it’s just so adorable. I want to read more but I don’t want the book to be finished!

The story

Linus Baker, a man set in his ways and seeing great importance in the RULES AND REGULATIONS as described by his job, receives a new assignment. He is to go to the Marsyas orphanage where six 6 strange kids and 1 strange headmaster live. Linus must determine whether the orphanage should be closed or remained open.

Although at first he resists, Linus is more and more charmed by the kids and the headmaster Arthur. They embark on small and grand adventures. He really gets to know the kids and they don’t intimidate him as much anymore. I mean, they still tell him awful things, but now he laughs instead of getting scared.
What will Linus’s recommendation be in the end?

My opinion

The house in the Cerulean sea is just so adorable! Although the story may be a bit predictable, sometimes that doesn’t matter! I like that there are several themes combined. Such as fantasy, family, love, (self) acceptance, empathy. It’s a story that shows that a family can be so much more than the traditional view of it. I really recommended this book! Because it’s funny, magical, adorable and feel-good.

Conclusion of The house in the Cerulean sea

I really loved this book! Actually, I wanted to read even more. I hope this gets turned into a series. The author has many other books and trilogies, so I hope this will follow suit. Also, I will definitely read more written by this author. I highly recommend The house in the Cerulean sea if you are up for an adorable and magical read.

Verdict