Outside of a Dog: Gaiman, Neil: (201) American Gods

Trix

Trix wrote on June 12, 2003 at 1:13 PM:

This is well after the event, but I absolutely agree with your comments. My feeling throughout the book was that I really didn't give a toss what happened to any of the characters, most of whom, if they weren't passive, were obnoxious (although I suppose no-one ever said the gods were charming people). The premise is great, tho', and there are some momentarily funny bits.

Perhaps those who hype it are thinking it's great having something that references mythology, and actually, that part of the book is quite convincing. Personally, I need a bit more in plot and characterisation to keep me motivated. Diana Wynne Jones does a more entertaining job with Norse gods in 8 Days of Luke (in a novel half the size) - actually, I think she's one of Gaiman's influences.

Christy

Christy wrote on October 10, 2003 at 2:24 PM:

This novel was my first experience of Gaiman, and coming in with no expectations I found myself delighted. Of course, give me a novel that makes me pull my mythology reference books off the shelf and I'm happy. This struck me as very like the work of Roger Zelazny, whose passing I still mourn. I like to speculate about how our archetypes deal with the world I live in.

I hadn't noticed the passive protagonist aspect, but now that you've pointed it out, I agree that it is distressing to me and my worldview. And now I remember that Richard in Neverwhere was likewise annoyingly passive.

Harry

Harry wrote on March 5, 2007 at 8:59 AM:

Do you recall "Chance the gardener" from Jerzy Kosinski's 'Being there'? That Jesus-like vessel, from who everyone drew profound meaning in his child-like simplicity? A passive protagonist indeed! And, though I haven't finished this book (I only started it this weekend) I see much the same from Shadow's "passivity"; and, perhaps a certain parallel with that "lucky son of a virgin" as well?

Kate

Kate wrote on March 5, 2007 at 12:33 PM:

Harry: I'm not familiar with that work, but I hope you'll report back when you're done (with appropriate spoiler protection--see http://www.rot13.com/, for instance).