TestFirst published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic—an intellectual and artistic benchmark from the multiple-award-winning master of innovative fiction, Neil Gaiman. Now discover the mystery and magic of American Gods in this tenth anniversary edition. Newly updated and expanded with the author’s preferred text, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern … volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece by the one, the only, Neil Gaiman.
A storm is coming . . .
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic 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 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—it is a job that takes him on a dark and strange road trip and introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. Along the way Shadow will learn that the past never dies; that everyone, including his beloved Laura, harbors secrets; and that dreams, totems, legends, and myths are more real than we know. Ultimately, he will discover 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.
Relevant and prescient, American Gods has been lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is, quite simply, an outstanding work of literary imagination that will endure for generations.
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Incredibly imaginative work of fiction, I will probably read it again someday. It was fun to read on Kindle and have access to dictionary/Wikipedia to define all the various gods/spirits/mythological characters that appear in the book, that have “immigrated” to the new world of America. I think it’s a quirky classic!
Instant Mythological Classic. Must read. Nuff said.
I read this when it first was published. A wonderful tale. (the Starz series did not entertain me as well. Like so many unique books, the filmed version was too compacted to properly tell the great story.)
irreverent, clever story with clever concept and interesting mystery element.
Gaiman pulled me into what would be, on the surface, an unlikely premise. His writing is superb and before I knew it, I was questioning what this book was and where it was taking me. Was it a metaphor? Was it fantasy? It was too gritty for the latter, but compelling from start to finish.
American Gods is a rare book in that it takes a lot of different things and creates a melting pot of experience and juxtaposition. The characters are well written and the final chapters kept me going. I just wish there were more stories that came out of this book and world.
Keeps you on toes throughout the book. It’s very unpredictable, in-depth characters and an intriguing.
Goddamn, why has it taken me so long to read Neil Gaiman? Known him for ages but this was my first foray into some of his work after a while, and between this and his masterclass he’s jumped to the top of my list.
Just an absolute potpourri of mythologies, myths, and legends that manages to be grounded and human the entire time (somehow). Thanks …
A must read! Before you attempt the show… read the book… very different. Both great in their own right. Not going into details, but any fan of Gaiman knows he’s a powerhouse, and this is him at his best!
This is my absolute favorite of Neil Gaiman’s books. I listened to the audio version and highly recommend it.
The best!!!!!!!
Very original and unusual idea. This is “pure Gaiman” so be warned.
Awesome! Mr. Gaiman has single handedly created a new genre. Ther kind of book that makes you sad when you reach the end, and then search the internet for more of his work.
Trying to write a review, I’m not sure what to say besides, I loved it. Very original, un-put-down-able, and thought-provoking. Wonderful book.
One of my favorite novels.
I started to say that this was, for me, the pinnacle of Gaiman’s work. Then I remembered the Anansi Boys and others. Gaiman has graduated from an author I enjoy to being one of my heroes. His imagination is to be treasured.
Love Gaiman, love this book!!
I read this years ago before the TV series and loved it. I think Gaiman is a brilliant writer and have enjoyed all of his novels. “Good Omens” is still one of my favorites. Read “American Gods” there is an overall message there for everyone too!
Gaiman’s tales are always riveting. This is a world I could inhabit easily but I could never have created it. Pure brilliance!!
I had extremely high hopes for this one as the premise was super intriguing to me however I found it more of a chore to bear through rather than enjoyable. Often I found myself getting lost in what was going on as there seemed to be a lot of complete randomness but at the same time it was like being on a road trip with no predetermined …