Some books come into our lives at the exact right moment. I am in the middle of transition within my life, and I think our country is as well. American Gods by Neil Gaiman is an intelligent and fascinating look into the landscape of America.
It begins with a caveat and warning for travelers, saying that the places and geography used within the book can be found. And "it goes without saying that all of the people living, dead or otherwise in this story are fictional or used in a fictional context. Only the gods are real."
In the melting pot that is America, this book delves into what happens to the gods that all of the immigrants to this land have brought with them. Gaiman obviously did tons of research into the waves of people that have come to America, from the 18th century to 14,000 BC and many points between. And within the larger narrative arc of the book, he adds in slices of those tales and who their gods are.
The gods of America are in a battle for the hearts and minds of Americans. And the old gods -a leprechaun, an African spider god, Odin, Loki, and others I had never heard of- are losing the battle to the newer gods of technology, TV, and other stuff. Shadow, the main character is thrust into this battle and mucks his way through helping his new employer, Mr. Wednesday, and figuring out what this battle is all about.
Gaiman's use of suspense is admirable. It's a thick book at 588 pages and it took me a while to get through it, but his craft in storytelling is evident on each page. His prose is lyrical, smart and sometimes funny.
While I was reading, it brought up a lot of personal faith questions. There's a story in the Bible which says where your treasure is, there also you will be. And you should store your treasure in heaven (i.e. believe in Jesus), in order to go to heaven in the afterlife. Personifying technology as a god really brought home this idea for me. I've heard homilies (the sermon the priest gives after the Gospel, which is the selection of the Bible read to us about Jesus) a number of times about how we should not make money or stuff our 'gods' or think of them as more important than God and Jesus. But from the book I thought how technology, and science, could also become like a 'god'. Do we really worship our computers and iPads? Do I?
There's a creepy moment when Shadow is visited by the TV god. I won't ruin it by giving away too many details, but she comments on how she is 'worshipped' by people who give her time. Again, do I worship TV because I watch too damn much of it?
Anyway, I highly recommend this novel. It's a fabulous read and will make you think about who our/your gods are.
I finished this book a couple of months ago and loved it! I agree with pretty much every point you've made in your book review--Gaiman is a wonderful, whimsical writer that just keeps me turning page after page.
ReplyDeleteWARNING: SPOILERS, SO STOP READING NOW IF YOU PLAN ON READING 'AMERICAN GODS'!!!!!
However, I had issues with the ending, as the entire book built up to that one moment where Shadow confronts the warring gods, and it takes him not even half a page to convince them that their war was worthless and not worth fighting. Somehow, it really upset me that it was so short. I can't see it dragged out, mind you, but it just felt like it was cheapened. I wonder if I should read it again--perhaps I'll understand it better later?
Love Neil Gaiman though. I've started another Neil Gaiman novel called 'Neverwhere'. I hope it'll be as good as 'American Gods'!
Now I must read this book since this is all you guys talk about. Also, when Ada put her spoiler alert up, I put my notepad against that part of the screen. I am that cool. Cannot wait to read once I finish reading my other books.
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