Neverwhere

Neverwhere is a 1996 urban fantasy novel by British author Neil Gaiman. It presents London in two realms: the familiar London Above and a hidden, subterranean London Below populated by the city’s forgotten people and magical beings. The story follows Richard Mayhew, an ordinary Londoner whose life is upended after he stops to help a young woman named Door. By aiding her, he becomes socially invisible to the world he knows and is pulled into London Below, where he must navigate its dangers and politics.

Richard is soon joined by a cast of outsiders, including Door herself, the enigmatic Marquis de Carabas, the fierce Hunter, and other figures who aid or hinder their quest. They are pursued by danger personified in the form of Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, merciless killers who serve forces opposed to Door. Central to the plot is Door’s attempt to uncover the truth about her own past and the meaning of the mysterious “ doors” she can unlock. The journey brings them into conflict with Islington, a powerful angel who exerts influence over London Below, and culminates in revelations about identity, fate, and the costs of helping those who have fallen through the cracks.

Neverwhere is known for its blend of fairy-tale elements with gritty urban imagery and its exploration of themes such as social invisibility, class, and loyalty. It has been described as a defining work in Gaiman’s early career and a staple of modern urban fantasy. Publication details include an initial UK edition published by BBC Books in 1996 and a US edition by Del Rey in 1997.