American Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of American Gods: A Novel
Book Review: An excellent fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this before his Sandman books (Comics/Vertigo) and I was hooked.
It is a great read in the sci/fi fantasy genre, with old Mythical creatures, Norse Gods, Greek Gods, New Gods and others Gaiman dips into nearly every mythology to create a masterpiece of modern fantasy filled with Humor and wit.
Book Review: An extremely well-written book
Summary: 5 Stars
As a big Gaiman fan, I'm probably prejudiced in favor of his books, but I still have to say that I was quite taken with this book. I bought it the day it came out and was done with it in less than 24 hours. Without trying to give anything away, I have to say that I really enjoyed all of the obscure references made in American Gods to (what else) various gods and other mythic figures. The concept, while not necessarily original, was presented here in a fresh perspective. The main character, Shadow, while at first glance a rather shallow character, turns out to be exceedingly deep and multi-faceted upon closer inspection (sorry for all of those literary clichés). One should not go into this expecting Stardust II. At the same time, while American Gods shares a tome similar to that in the Sandman series, one shouldn't be looking for another Morpheus story. This novel is a category into itself in Gaiman's repertoire. In other words, being a Gaiman fan is no guarantee that you'll like it; at the same time, even if you didn't like his other books, this novel might still be accessible.
Book Review: And now for something entirely fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
A friend pointed out that Gaiman requires his readers to be able to conjure specific images and suspend certain beliefs in order to understand his stories. I think my friend meant to be negative, but I agree with him. Gaiman tells a wonderful tale here, but "there's reality and then there's reality": the book is rooted in the America we know, but portrayed such that we see things we would not see otherwise.It's like... coming home for winter break after your first semester at college. Home is familiar and real, but not everything is 'real' in the way you once thought it was. And who's to say it ever was?
Neil Gaiman fans will read this book, no matter what the reviews say. Most, if not all, of them are going to love it.
Gaiman virgins, especially those not 'into' the fantasy genre, will perhaps be a little intrigued and a little wary of delving into this semi-epic. The hype is enough to make a cautious reader even more so. That said, give it a shot anyway. You have nothing to lose but they way you look at the world.
Book Review: Another success for Gaiman
Summary: 5 Stars
The short review: Oh. My. God. Read this book.The longer one: What Gaiman did for London in Neverwhere, he does for a whole country in American Gods. Does the US have room for the old gods? What new gods are formed in this age of media and technology?
Shadow is released from prison a day early due to his wife's sudden death. He is offered a job by an enigmatic old man and finds himself questioning what, exactly, he believes. He is visited by his dead wife and meets a pantheon of deities from many cultures and many times. A storm is coming, a battle between the old gods and the new, and Shadow is wanted by both sides...
Gaiman's vast knowlege of old stories and older gods combined with his gift for creating rich characters adds up to a beautifully crafted tale of America.
Book Review: Another winner
Summary: 5 Stars
My first exposure to Neil Gaiman was his critically acclaimed Sandman comics, and I never expected him ever to match that achievement. With American Gods, I think Gaiman has proven me wrong. We see a colorful and engaging story unfold through the eyes of Shadow, a man who emerges from prison expecting to return to his loving wife and some semblance of normalcy. Instead, he finds himself embroiled in a struggle among gods. Along the way he meets ancient gods surviving on meager whispers of belief and getting by as laborers, grifters, or prostitutes. He also encounters the new gods, representing the internet and mass media, who expect to supplant the old gods entirely.Yet what makes American Gods so successful is its blend of the supernatural with "mundane" Americana. Most of the story takes place on the road in the heartland of the United States, in small towns, in motels, or at tourist attractions. The most touchingly drawn characters are the mere mortals who play a role in the tale. In fact, the only character who seems underdeveloped for much of the novel is Shadow, the protagonist. However, Gaiman explicitly addresses this issue, and it does not detract from the sense that Shadow is a real person, albeit a quiescent one.
With its imaginative premise, intelligent plot, believable characters, attention to both the epic and the intimate, and an adroit writing style that is neither too esoteric nor too blunt, American Gods is worthy addition to the pantheon of Hugo Award winners. You should read it.