American Gods by Neil Gaiman – Reviewed by Guy Portman
Shadow is an inmate who whiles away his days practising coin tricks. When his wife dies in a car crash, he is released early on compassionate grounds. Shadow is on his way home when a mysterious old man called Wednesday employs him as a bodyguard. The pair set off on a trip across America. Along the way they visit Wednesday’s associates and acquaintances. These individuals are American manifestations of the Old Gods, who Wednesday is attempting to recruit for a war against the New American Gods.
This dark, unusual blend of fantasy and mythology explores the tribalistic nature of America’s various beliefs – held by the native inhabitants and the disparate groups who have at various times migrated there, bringing their deities with them.
American Gods is an innovative work boasting a taciturn and tough protagonist. This reader was impressed by its author’s febrile imagination. However, in his opinion this ponderous six hundred plus page tome is excessively meandering, with not enough in the way of plot resolution.
