[Ea]

A discussion thread for "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

It's the second time I've read it, and it was just as enjoyable as the first time. I like the idea of imagining what would happen to the old gods of the old world if they somehow was transported/"translated" to the new world. I have a great interest in Norse mythology, and Odin as one of the main characters were a big draw for me (I find him one of the most fascinating of the old gods). I can't speak for the other gods or mythologies, but Gaiman's treatment of Norse mythology is sensitive and shows a good understanding of the characters of the gods - and I definitely liked his take on an American version of Odin and Loke. Having them doing that con is such a brilliant idea.

I think this is one of Gaiman's most adult works. The tone is rather dark and serious and I liked that.

What I especially loved about the book is that there were lot to think abut and ponder while reading. Gaiman isn't giving everything away - a lot is "hidden" away in crevices in the text on the page. You have to think about it, what happens, who the characters are, what everything really means, to understand what is happening. A bit like a puzzle. I really enjoyed that. Of course the story can be read at a bit more superficial level, but if you feel like digging for it, there's a lot more to it.

On the Neil Gaiman discussion boards I have read a discussion about who is Shadow? AFAIK Neil Gaiman has never told the public what he thought about the Shadow character, but given that he's Wednesday's - Odin's - son, some have guessed at Balder. I'm not sure myself, doesn't fit. I'm still not sure what to think of him and his role in the story. In a way I wonder if he's a new incarnation of Odin... For example, given his wake for Odin, which is basically Odin's original sacrifice of himself to himself - repeated, again.

Shadow spends a good deal of time in Lakeside and it's a rather important place. Wednesday even installs him there. Why? Because it illuminates something about Wednesday - or Lakeside illuminates something about Shadow - or because Lakeside illuminates something about Shadow? Or something else entirely?

Why the name Shadow? While reading, I tried to note whenever we learn something about him and it's precious little. He's a sort of a guide character but has little substance when you look closer. He's coffee-and-cream coloured, dark hair, a big man (this is noted again and again, numerous times - why?), loves Laura, and he refrains from reflecting deeply upon the tasks his employer gives him - yet he doesn't appear stupid.

What did you think about transporting - translating - the old gods to America? I remember reading something where Neil Gaiman explained he wanted to create American versions of the gods, as he imagined them having evolved in America, having been brought over trough people who still believed.

And... who's the nameless god that everyone forgets?