Book Review #156 – American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

Hey hey!

Here is my review for my new favourite. It’s American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.

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Synopsis: 

First published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic, lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Washington Post) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is the story of Shadow—released from prison just days after his wife and best friend are killed in an accident—who gets recruited to be bodyguard, driver, and errand boy for the enigmatic trickster, Mr. Wednesday. So begins Shadow’s dark and strange road trip, one that introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. For, beneath the placid surface of everyday life, a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and Shadow is standing squarely in its path.

 

Pros:

• the mood
• so funny
• incredibly entertaining to read
• very interesting to see the different gods and their several incarnations
• Gaiman is nothing short of a genius

 

Cons:

• way too many loose ends

 

Verdict:

Guys, this is by far my favourite read of the year! I finally decided to get this book, in anticipation for the show. And although you only need to read the first 100 pages of the book for the series, I ended up reading everything. I loved it so so much! The mood and the characters were just so entertaining and fascinating. It’s so over the top and epic! It had this americana feel, at the same time it totally satirized it. I liked the plot, yes, but for some reason I was just more interested in the gods, their personalities, reincarnations and how they interacted. I didn’t really knew most of the old gods but it only made everything more fun because I had much to learn. Shadow Moon, the main character, is a total babe and I’m in love with him. He’s so smart and manly and sensitive. He deserved much better sometimes, but I loved his ride. But don’t get me wrong, even if I adored so many things, this isn’t by far a perfect book. There’s many things that seem loose and end up still being loose at the end. The inconsistency of the coming to america stories felt a bit meh at times. I liked them mostly, but at some point, I just wanted them to be more directly impacting the general story (other than giving context to how america worships and how the many gods got there). There’s some things that don’t get a closure at the end or even an explanation and even though they weren’t crucial or anything, I still wanted that. But these were little things, mostly. I loved the book beyond anything and I’m even more and more curious to see the show. If it’s half as good, it’s going to blow everyone’s socks off.

So, did you see the show? Or the book? Tell me your opinions!

Until soon,

Cat.