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Nandakishore Mridula's Reviews > American Gods
American Gods (American Gods, #1)
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This was the first book by Gaiman I read, and I instantly became a fan.
Gaiman is a "love-him-or-hate-him" author: either you will die for his prose, or you will be prepared to engage commandos to kill him. I think the reason for this extreme reaction is the way he writes his stories. It can be called fantasy, but actually it's closer to myth with its rambling style and narrative inconsistencies.
"American Gods" is the tale of Shadow and his part in the struggle between the traditional Gods from all over the world who have immigrated to the New World, and the Gods of America (those of media, celebrity, technology, and drugs). These Gods exist because people believe in them: and the new ones are engaged in an epic battle with the old ones for the mastery of the American mind.
The tale is very broad in its sweep and contains many subplots and side alleys, typical of any old-world mythical saga. I devoured the book ravenously, and was instantly hungry for more.
Gaiman is a "love-him-or-hate-him" author: either you will die for his prose, or you will be prepared to engage commandos to kill him. I think the reason for this extreme reaction is the way he writes his stories. It can be called fantasy, but actually it's closer to myth with its rambling style and narrative inconsistencies.
"American Gods" is the tale of Shadow and his part in the struggle between the traditional Gods from all over the world who have immigrated to the New World, and the Gods of America (those of media, celebrity, technology, and drugs). These Gods exist because people believe in them: and the new ones are engaged in an epic battle with the old ones for the mastery of the American mind.
The tale is very broad in its sweep and contains many subplots and side alleys, typical of any old-world mythical saga. I devoured the book ravenously, and was instantly hungry for more.
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American Gods.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
July 27, 2011
–
Finished Reading
September 8, 2011
– Shelved
October 1, 2011
– Shelved as:
fantasy
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Alok
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Oct 26, 2015 04:09AM
I was recently gifted Gaiman's Sandman collection by a friend and with a furiously strong recommendation. Flipped through some pages and yes, it did seem interesting.
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Alok wrote: "I was recently gifted Gaiman's Sandman collection by a friend and with a furiously strong recommendation. Flipped through some pages and yes, it did seem interesting."Either you love him or you hate him - there is no middle path!
This is my favourite of his books, I am still waiting on that sequel.
Liz Janet wrote: "This is my favourite of his books, I am still waiting on that sequel."This one is a fantasy masterpiece.
My first Gaiman and I loved it! Of course, I did go through a small period wrought with frustrations but it was so fabulous towards the end that it would have been a sacrilege to call the book 'bad'. :)Lovely review! :)
PS - Your review brought back so many good memories of that time, so a special thank you for that! :D
Srividya wrote: "My first Gaiman and I loved it! Of course, I did go through a small period wrought with frustrations but it was so fabulous towards the end that it would have been a sacrilege to call the book 'bad..."Thank you.
Like you, Nandakishore, I fell in love with Neil Gaiman with my first book of his; in my case, it was The Graveyard Book, which I adored! I've also read The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I've bought American Gods, and my husband read it, but I haven't yet. Perhaps this summer?
Ivonne wrote: "Like you, Nandakishore, I fell in love with Neil Gaiman with my first book of his; in my case, it was The Graveyard Book, which I adored! I've also read [book:The Ocean at the End of..."Don't delay it. It is more complex than the other books, and much more satisfying.
Thank you for this encouraging review. I've intended to read "American Gods" for quite a while, especially since I'm one of those who love Gaiman's prose. I'm glad to see you became a fan as well.
Gaiman is God. Wonderful review, Mr V!
Councillor wrote: "Thank you for this encouraging review. I've intended to read "American Gods" for quite a while, especially since I'm one of those who love Gaiman's prose. I'm glad to see you became a fan as well."This is the best I have read from him. I was absolutely dumbfounded by his depth of mythical knowledge.
Anya wrote: "Gaiman is God. Wonderful review, Mr V!"Thank you.
Councillor wrote: "Thank you for this encouraging review. I've intended to read "American Gods" for quite a while, especially since I'm one of those who love Gaiman's prose. I'm glad to see you became a fan as well."American Gods is his best work! ^_^
On point, as always, NKV! :DThis book was a class of its own.
Anuradha wrote: "On point, as always, NKV! :DThis book was a class of its own."
Thank you.
Great review, Nandakishore. Nice and succinct too. Not sure about that love him or hate him business, though ;) Ambivalence is an option :D
Apatt wrote: "Great review, Nandakishore. Nice and succinct too. Not sure about that love him or hate him business, though ;) Ambivalence is an option :D"Thank you. I have rarely seen people ambivalent about Gaiman.
I guess I'm the exception that tests the rule. I certainly didn't hate this, but I didn't love it either. ;)
I wholeheartedly agree with you sir
This is my first Neil Gaiman too which I am currently devouring. Your review helped me make that decision, so thank you for writing.
