God Is Dead

This post probably has absolutely nothing to do with what you think from the title. No Nietzsche. No religious discourse. Just a book review. You see, the god in question here is Anansi, the spider god, the trickster god, and the god that dies on the first page of Neil Gaiman's book, Anansi Boys. Not to worry, I'm not revealing anything here that isn't in the publisher's description. However, if you are planning to read, but have not yet read Anansi Boys, you may want to stop after hearing me say that it is excellent.


Are they gone yet?


Ok, good. Let's move on.



If Anansi dies on the first page, what could our story possibly be? The book deals with Anansi's son, Fat Charlie, who never realized that his dad was a god or that even he had a brother. Fat Charlie and his long-estranged brother, Spider, must deal with the death of their father, the gods he angered with his constant tricks and, worst of all, each other. Family relationships are hard at times, but when part of the family has godlike power from your father, is completely irresponsible and completely ruins your life? Well, that's a whole different story.

While building on the concept he introduced in American Gods, Gaiman takes an entirely different tone in Anansi Boys. While AG was dark and brooding, AB is much lighter and full of humor. In each case, the tone of the story reflects the personality of the god most central to the story (Odin and Anansi, respectively). It is a remarkably easy read and well worth the time it takes. If you have read and enjoyed Gaiman, go get it. If not...I really don't know what to say.

Summing up:
Humorous, touching, thrilling and enjoyable, Anansi Boys is an excellent choice. In the end, we must realize that despite being incredibly embarrassing (or perhaps because of it) our families are our families and nothing will change that.


Until later...