'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.
Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for American Gods include violence, graphic sexual content, and themes of death and infidelity.
Has Romance?
The romance element in American Gods is medium, revolving primarily around Shadow's relationship with his wife Laura and her influence on his journey.
From The Publisher:
Hugo Award
Minnesota Book Award Finalist
Nebula Award Finalist
Now a STARZ® Original Series produced by FremantleMedia North America starring Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, and Pablo Schreiber.
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.
But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow's best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and a rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.
Life as Wednesday's bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. Soon Shadow learns that the past never dies . . . and that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing-an epic war for the very soul of America-and that he is standing squarely in its path.
"Mystery, satire, sex, horror, poetic prose-American Gods uses all these to keep the reader turning the pages."-Washington Post
Ratings (546)
Incredible (114) | |
Loved It (198) | |
Liked It (126) | |
It Was OK (59) | |
Did Not Like (42) | |
Hated It (7) |
Reader Stats (910):
Read It (552) | |
Currently Reading (8) | |
Want To Read (208) | |
Did Not Finish (37) | |
Not Interested (105) |
17 comment(s)
This was a reread for me and I ended up knocking a star of. While I still like it and think it's a good book, I feelt like the book was little to busy for me. Too much going on and a little to messy for my liking. Like the themes with the gods and such but would maybe liked a more condensed, shorter book that just concentrate on one or a few, still highly enjoyable though
The main character was too defeatist for my tastes
Not for everyone but the right audience would find this a masterpiece
This had potential. His writing is very descriptive and engaging. But early on there is unnecessary, pornographic description of a prostitute sex scene. Why? Completely unnecessary. I’m not a soft reader, I’ve read John Steinbeck and will handle the dark side of human nature, but this was just overdone and lewd.
Great book, but for some reason, I had the darnedest time getting started with it. Took me four separate tries. I'd get 30 or so pages into it, then get sidetracked by another book. But without a good reason! It would just sort of magically slide out of my mind til the library demanded it back... Until finally, determined to finish it, I didn't let it out of my sight til I was halfway thru, and WOW.
It baffles me how this title won so many awards. Not to yuck others’ yum but good grief. I got about 2/3 through this thing until I decided to stop torturing myself and put it down for good.
How could someone write a main character as thoroughly, mind-bendingly boring as Shadow? The premise is simple enough and sounds downright intriguing; unfortunately it’s a slog—and not even an enjoyable one at that. A very easy read but come up for air after reading 125 pages and you’ll find the story advanced a centimeter. This one missed the mark for me.
I know everyone in the history of ever disagrees with me, but this book was a let down. It just really missed the mark for me. It wasn’t enlightening. It was one long slue of violence, betrayal, and awkwardness. Do books have to teach us something? No. But, they’re a lot better if they do.
This book is about as gritty as a bathroom stall wall in a rundown gas station, and it has a comparable amount of depth and light.
3.5*
Loved this one. It has old gods from all sorts of old religions and belief systems, and they're weaved into a very well written and entrancing novel.
Shadow is an ex-con, who is released from the jail and comes to know about his wife's death. He is devastated by his wife's death and no place to go, meets a mysterious Mr.Wednesday. Mr.Wednesday takes Shadow all through America, meeting people and gaining their loyalty for a war. Shadow doesn't much know about the identity of Mr.Wednesday or the other people he meets, starts to have very strange dreams where he meets his dead wife etc etc.
Shadow then understands that Mr.Wednesday is actually an old god, Odin who is accumulating his force for a war against the new gods. And then Gaiman goes on with all the god related myths and metaphors,hidden meanings and many small stories far related but good in their own way.
I liked the character Shadow,ex-con but with decent and deep thinking person. Totally the book was good, but lack of my knowledge on mythology made several parts to go over my head.
What can you read after
American Gods?
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