REVIEW: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Author: Neil Gaiman
Publishing Information: Paperback, 576 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (March 28, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0062572237
ISBN-13: 978-0062572233
Copy: Sent by Publisher
Reviewer: Yagiz
"Released from prison, Shadow finds his world turned upside down. His wife has been killed; a mysterious stranger offers him a job. But Mr. Wednesday, who knows more about Shadow than is possible, warns that a storm is coming -- a battle for the very soul of America . . . and they are in its direct path."
Many consider Neil Gaiman's American Gods one of his best works. Consequently it had been on my radar for a long while. But you know how it goes: there are too many good books to read, and never enough time.
When I received a copy of the 10th anniversary edition from the publisher, I took it as a sign, and I started to read it the same evening. And I was hooked from the first chapter.
The main protagonist, Shadow, is a big fella trying to get ready to leave the prison after serving 3 years when he learns about his wife's death in a car accident. But his life truly changes when he meets a mysterious passenger in a flight on his way home. The man, who calls himself Mr. Wednesday, offers him a job, which truly changes Shadow's life.
Let me start by saying that Gaiman's prose is so good that I can probably read anything that he writes. This played a big role in my being captivated by the story from the start.
A la Stephen King, Gaiman masterfully weaves multiple parallel threads through a mounting climax. I also loved the historical stories that he interjected in certain parts of the book.
The premise behind the story is brilliant: America has been visited and settled by many cultures over the last millennia. Each culture brought here their own gods and myths. But those gods were slowly forgotten. Where are they now? What are they doing today, without any believers and worshippers?
And what are we believing in instead? What are we worshipping, now? Money? Media? Technology? Today's America is not hospitable to the old gods.
Some of the undercurrents of the story are about the theories on world religions and myths, which enrich the readers's experience. As someone who find religions and world myths fascinating, following the author in these streams was very entertaining.
Was it perfect? No. My only gripe worth mentioning is that I found Shadow distant. I think a part (if not all) of this disconnect was caused because of the protagonist's nonchalant and indifferent character.
American Gods was a real delight to read. If you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat. Now I have to decide what book of Gaiman's to read next? Anansi Boys or Norse Mythology?
Overall: 9/10
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