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November 20, 2003
Review: 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman
I just finished Neil Gaiman's 2003 book, American Gods. One might call this 'contemporary fantasy' and would be reasonably accurate, although the novel combines features of a lot of different genres.
I really enjoyed this book. It's pretty long -- it took me about twice as long to read this as Michael Crichton's Timeline (although they're completely different types of novels). Despite its length (I would say "thickness," but I read the ebook version), American Gods entertains and engages from start to finish. I really enjoyed Gaiman's ability to use the style of the text to contribute to the character or event being described. Sometimes the writing is fast and loose and at other times it is detailed and specific, depending on the context. I was also impressed at the vast lexicon from which Gaimain pulls; I found myself using the dictionary built into PalmReader on at least a dozen occasions, and some of them I think he just made up.
This book is fantastic enough that you can let yourself sink into it without questioning the realism of every detail, yet realistic enough that you're constantly amazed by the elements of fantasty. Overall, excellent reading...give it a whirl.
Posted by Craig in Movies & Books
Comments
Neil Gaiman rocks. His Sandman graphic novel series is a landmark of genius. Almost anything he writes is as complex as an Umberto Eco tome, yet more accessible.
Posted by: Sam at November 20, 2003 5:30 PM