Bookshelf: American Gods

Okay, time for a completely uncontroversial opinion: Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is one of the most thorough and fascinating explorations of Americana ever written, as well as just being a wicked good urban fantasy novel.

There’s a lot to talk about with this book, in part because at 750 pages it’s A LOT of book. Seriously, when I sat down to write this, I stared at a blank google doc for five minutes because I wasn’t even sure where to start. But I guess we’ll start at the beginning. Seems the most natural choice. The arrival of the first Native Americans from Siberia in ancient times, bringing with them their rich and varied stories and beliefs- Wait, no. Too early.

Okay when the Vikings first started showing up during later but still quite ancient times, bringing with them Norse deities such as Odin and Loki- Wait. No. Too early.

Okay, Columbus… Was actually not that important, in any respect whatsoever. And still too early.

Okay with the dawn the triangle trade, an influx of African slaves was brought against their will to the Americas, and while their many cultures and folklores are often regarded, wrongly so, as interchangeable by Europeans, one of the most popular figures among slaves was the trickster Anansi, spider god, god of stories, and he… Hold on: I already reviewed that one.

Okay, so many things contributed to the Irish Diaspora of the 19th century, but the potato famine played a big part, and the resultant influx of immigrants led to Irish-Americans becoming one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. And while a lot of the original Celtic folklore was altered, most of the major archetypes survived, such as Mad Sweeney, who’s kind of a leprechaun but not really- Wait. Wait, no. This is still too early. 

Do you see what I mean when I say this book is a lot?