Ben reviewed American Gods (American Gods, #1) by Neil Gaiman
Good but long
4 stars
I read the 10th anniversary edition, which is longer than the original. It seemed a little slow at times and I think the original edition might be better.
Hardcover, 477 pages
French language
Published May 25, 2005 by Public Square Books.
American Gods (2001) is a fantasy novel by British author Neil Gaiman. The novel is a blend of Americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn Shadow.
I read the 10th anniversary edition, which is longer than the original. It seemed a little slow at times and I think the original edition might be better.
Kertomus siitä, kuinka jumalat eri puolilta maailmaa saapuivat Amerikkaan ja kuinka ne tämän päivän Yhdysvalloissa ottavat yhteen nykypäivän jumalten kanssa. Yhteenoton välikappaleeksi joutuu nuorehko mies, joka vapautuu vankilasta ja on päättänyt olla joutumatta sinne uudelleen. Pitkäksi venyvä road trip erilaisten uskontojen ja uskomusten sekamelskassa ja hiukan äijäkirjallisuuden elkeitä yhdysvaltalaisen erityislaatuisuuden tunnelmissa, mutta kunhan lukemisessa pääsee vauhtiin, niin ihan viihdyttävähän tämä on.
The majority of my goodreads friends have either read this book or plan to. Excellent urban fantasy folk mythic road-trip story (and mystery!). I understand the audiobook version is also very good.
Very strong characters and story telling. When Slavic gods appeared not soon after the Norse, I was hooked. I look forward to reading Anansi Boys and watching the television series - though part of me isn't sure if I want to worship that particular American God.
Favorite quote:
"What I say is, a town isn't a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it's got a bookstore, it knows it's not foolin' a soul."