Fascinating modern fantasy American gods has been my favourite Neil Gaiman –book. Rereading it now it still feels innovative and lively. Gods of ancient religions have emigrated to America with their worshippers. Young Shadow gets out of jail and is hired by mysterious Mr Wednesday and he becomes involved in an intricate fight between the old gods and the new ones of IT, media and consumerism. The plot gets a bit tangled and slow in the middle stages of the book, but the ending is marvellous and suprising and Gaiman blends fantasy elements fascinatingly with descriptions of everyday life in modern America.
Old Gods in Middle America I agree with GoatGirl that this is many styles of book in one. It starts as a roman picaresque (a hero's traveling adventures) set in various "heart of America" locales. Soon this travel novel becomes interwoven with a pantheon of the different gods immigrants have broght to America. This brings in a sci-fi or fantasy or paranormal (take your choice) aspect to the rambling plot. Certainly there is a sprinkle of speculative fiction and a dash character development in the mix too. Although I didn't find the book perfect (I spent a lot of time not quite knowing what was going on or where Gaiman was going with all this), I think you should read this interesting book. Interesting people read it.
Gaiman is different I agree with GoatGirl that this is many stiyles of book in one. It starts as a roman picaresque (a hero's traveling adventures) set in various "heart of America" locales. Soon this travel novel becomes interwoven with a pantheon of the different gods immigrants have broght to America. This brings in a sci-fi or fantasy or paranormal (take your choice) aspect to the rambling plot. Certainly there is a sprinkle of speculative fiction and a dash character development in the mix too. Although I didn't find the book perfect (I spent a lot of time not quite knowing what was going on or where Gaiman was going with all this), I think you should read this interesting book. Interesting people read it.
awesome it is an incredibly journey. couldn't put it down at all. i agree with other reviewers that the book isn't for everyone. but it has everything.. romance, action, mystery, spirituality.
American Morals? Neil Gaiman is a marvelous writer of extraordinary ability. He has brought his incredible talents to bear in one of the most widely hailed novels of our modern day: American Gods.
This book is indisputably well crafted. The story follows Shadow as he is released from prison, has his life sundered and is inexorably drawn into a world where ancient gods are pitted against modern gods.
With deft commentary on culture and society, worship and deity, the book is a finely crafted yarn.
However, Gaiman has included scenes of stunningly graphic sexuality. Burn your eyes graphic. We get it: Gaiman clearly believes that sexuality drives much of society, culture and worship. That's fine.
But because of these regular scenes in this book, and despite its extraordinary power, I would never recommend this book to anyone.