American Gods
December 5th 2006 11:10
(I rewrote this one. it was evidence of why I shouldn't try to write when the brain has decided it needs time off)
Warning, there are one or two spoilers in here, but they aren’t the big plot shattering ones.
Neil Gaiman is a freak of nature. Try to imagine darkly satirical, intellectually styled novellising and you are not too far off.
American Gods is evidence that english authors are some of the most brilliant people alive. Neil Gaiman's novel is all about the old gods of america in a war with all the new gods of america. By old gods, I mean the really old ones. I mean the norse ones brought over by the vikings, the hindu gods brought over by the indians, demons, djinns and even a golem are preparing themselves for a fight to oblivion with the new gods of Television, Media and Network.
As if that alone wasn't enough.
Mr Gaiman ropes into centre stage a young man named Shadow (whose real name we never learn) an ex-con released early to find out that his wife and best friend are dead and had been having an affair. His world starts to spiral out of control but is quickly brought back into some kind of semblance of order by a Mr Wednesday, who at first glance is an old, glass eyed conman with a penchant for good food and women, and at second glance is the grey wanderer himself, the one eyed all father, Odin. What starts is an intellectual and hilarious journey that goes through alot of america and alot of american thought.
But a huge part of the novel's charm lies in the fact that it is amazingly well researched. The character of the gods is not simply stereotypical, hammer swinging, smiting and taking different forms to woo women, they are that with the added edge of having to work for their food and pay the rent. Odin's character in particular is right on the money perfect (see the above mentioned conman), and the mythological components of the book are brilliantly immersive.
The most interesting theme covered is the attributes of gods and how we shape them according to our own perceptions. Odin, Sheba, Anansi and Czernobog are the pivotal sideline characters in a brilliantly mixed up concoction of humour and thought. Personally, I didn't like his take on Christ (I don't think that God condones alot of what is done in His name but I can cover that in my other blog) but I can understand his viewpoint, especially after meeting a few weird Christians (especially the ones at my church).
Buy the book, read it. Have a good laugh. And in my case, do some researching on wikipedia and be amazed.
JZ
Warning, there are one or two spoilers in here, but they aren’t the big plot shattering ones.
Neil Gaiman is a freak of nature. Try to imagine darkly satirical, intellectually styled novellising and you are not too far off.
American Gods is evidence that english authors are some of the most brilliant people alive. Neil Gaiman's novel is all about the old gods of america in a war with all the new gods of america. By old gods, I mean the really old ones. I mean the norse ones brought over by the vikings, the hindu gods brought over by the indians, demons, djinns and even a golem are preparing themselves for a fight to oblivion with the new gods of Television, Media and Network.
As if that alone wasn't enough.
Mr Gaiman ropes into centre stage a young man named Shadow (whose real name we never learn) an ex-con released early to find out that his wife and best friend are dead and had been having an affair. His world starts to spiral out of control but is quickly brought back into some kind of semblance of order by a Mr Wednesday, who at first glance is an old, glass eyed conman with a penchant for good food and women, and at second glance is the grey wanderer himself, the one eyed all father, Odin. What starts is an intellectual and hilarious journey that goes through alot of america and alot of american thought.
But a huge part of the novel's charm lies in the fact that it is amazingly well researched. The character of the gods is not simply stereotypical, hammer swinging, smiting and taking different forms to woo women, they are that with the added edge of having to work for their food and pay the rent. Odin's character in particular is right on the money perfect (see the above mentioned conman), and the mythological components of the book are brilliantly immersive.
The most interesting theme covered is the attributes of gods and how we shape them according to our own perceptions. Odin, Sheba, Anansi and Czernobog are the pivotal sideline characters in a brilliantly mixed up concoction of humour and thought. Personally, I didn't like his take on Christ (I don't think that God condones alot of what is done in His name but I can cover that in my other blog) but I can understand his viewpoint, especially after meeting a few weird Christians (especially the ones at my church).
Buy the book, read it. Have a good laugh. And in my case, do some researching on wikipedia and be amazed.
JZ
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
I have not heard of this book but if your reviewing is anything to go by...and for me, it's the best...this is my kind of book!
I am now 2 books closer to 'First Casualty' (getting through the pile on my bedside table...and at my bedside and under the bed and in my office...)
I really enjoy and appreciate your balanced view point Josh. On everything.
Hope you are well.
Dusk
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I am glad you like my reviews, always good to have at least one shill in the crowd.
Also glad that you are getting closer and closer to First Casualty, it's a very rewarding read. I suspect you're the kind of person that enjoys philosophy and humour, with a dash of humanity here and there. In that case, the following authors might be for you:
Terry Pratchett
Neil Gaiman
Ben Elton
Try them.
See you soon.
JZ
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I had fun searching all the gods in wikipedia. My brother is a HUGE Geiman fan. He's got most of his comics, and a bunch of his books. Have you read his children's book? I forgot what it's called.
Unfortunately for me, though, I liked the concept of american gods more than the story itself.
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I haven't read much of Gaiman but was recommended to it by a very good friend.
GOing to get a copy of Anansi Boys very soon.
Come back again sometime.
JZ