American Gods

by Neil Gaiman
American Gods cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 3023
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780755379927
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-11-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

American Gods is a critically acclaimed novel that blends mythology, fantasy, and a deep exploration of American culture. The story follows Shadow Moon, a man released from prison only to find his life upended by a series of bizarre events. He meets a stranger who reveals himself to be an ancient god, leading Shadow on a journey across the United States where they encounter a diverse and eccentric cast of characters, each with their own ties to the divine. The novel is praised for its originality and inventive storytelling, earning numerous awards and accolades. Neil Gaiman's masterpiece delves into the heart of America, exploring themes of identity, belief, and the power of stories. As Shadow becomes entangled in a cosmic conflict between old and new gods, the narrative unfolds with a mix of dark humor, profound insights, and breathtaking imagination. The novel's richly detailed world and complex characters make it a standout in contemporary literature.

Reviews
the starving artist · 2020-04-22
provocative 4.50

American Gods is rich in detail, written decently well, and horrific. It's psychedelic, trippy, and smart, offering a deep exploration of culture and identity.

The reviewer from 'the starving artist' praises 'American Gods' for its rich detail and well-crafted writing. They describe it as a horrific, psychedelic, and trippy journey that delves deep into the themes of culture and identity. The reviewer appreciates the book's intelligence and its ability to provoke thought, making it a standout read. However, the horrific elements might not be suitable for all readers, but they add to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    American Gods is rich in detail, written decently well, and horrific.

    It's psychedelic, trippy, and smart.

    It has a lot to say about culture and yanks.

The Inside Cover Blog · 2019-01-03
captivating 4.50

The book is surreal, beautiful, and haunting, leaving a lasting impression. It's a unique and captivating story that blends Americana with a surreal twist.

The reviewer finds 'American Gods' to be a surreal and beautiful story that leaves a lasting impression. They appreciate the book's unique blend of Americana and surreal elements, making it a captivating read. The reviewer also highlights the book's haunting quality, which adds to its overall appeal. They note that the story is oddly haunting and will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

Quick quotes

    A surreal, beautiful, and oddly haunting Americana story that will stay with you for long after you've read the last page.

    It's a unique and captivating story that blends Americana with a surreal twist.

    The book's haunting quality adds to its overall appeal.

The New Yorker · 2018-05-24
unsettling 3.75

The book has aged well, though at times Gaiman's ambitions outstrip his skill. It's a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul.

The reviewer from The New Yorker notes that 'American Gods' has aged well, maintaining its relevance and impact over time. They acknowledge that while Gaiman's ambitions sometimes exceed his execution, the book remains a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and its ability to captivate readers, even if it has its flaws. The unsettling nature of the story adds to its overall impact, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I was surprised to find how well the book had aged, even if, from time to time, Gaiman's ambitions outstrip his skill; spoken aloud, his stabs ...

    Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America.

    The book remains a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul.

The Guardian · David Barnett · 2014-07-29
engaging 4.00

This grand tale of ancient gods struggling to survive in today's USA has a chilly setting but provides a great summer escape. The reviewer finds it a compelling read with a unique blend of mythology and modern America.

The reviewer from The Guardian highlights how 'American Gods' offers a chilly yet engaging setting that makes it a perfect summer escape. They appreciate the unique premise of ancient gods navigating modern America, finding it both thrilling and thought-provoking. The story's blend of mythology and contemporary issues creates a rich tapestry that keeps the reader hooked. However, the chilly setting might not appeal to everyone, but it adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This grand tale of ancient gods struggling to survive in today's USA has a chilly setting but provides a great summer escape.

    It's a story that will captivate readers with its unique blend of mythology and modern America.

    The chilly setting adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

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