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American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide
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Unlock the more straightforward side of American Gods with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of American Gods by Neil Gaiman, a fantasy novel which follows ex-convict Shadow Moon as he is released from prison, only to find that his wife has just died. Following an encounter with the mysterious Mr Wednesday, Shadow is whisked off on a whirlwind adventure across America, over the course of which he meets the incarnations of numerous gods, old and new, who are preparing to wage war on each other in order to maintain their crumbling footholds in the American subconscious. However, all is not what it seems, and it is down to Shadow to uncover the true identities of Mr Wednesday and his rival, Mr World, and prevent a divine showdown that could change the face of modern America forever. Neil Gaiman is one of the most influential fantasy writers of the 21st century, and is the author of dozens of novels, scripts, short stories and graphic novels. He is best known for his frequent use of allusion and mythology in his works.
Find out everything you need to know about American Gods in a fraction of the time!
This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.
See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of American Gods by Neil Gaiman, a fantasy novel which follows ex-convict Shadow Moon as he is released from prison, only to find that his wife has just died. Following an encounter with the mysterious Mr Wednesday, Shadow is whisked off on a whirlwind adventure across America, over the course of which he meets the incarnations of numerous gods, old and new, who are preparing to wage war on each other in order to maintain their crumbling footholds in the American subconscious. However, all is not what it seems, and it is down to Shadow to uncover the true identities of Mr Wednesday and his rival, Mr World, and prevent a divine showdown that could change the face of modern America forever. Neil Gaiman is one of the most influential fantasy writers of the 21st century, and is the author of dozens of novels, scripts, short stories and graphic novels. He is best known for his frequent use of allusion and mythology in his works.
Find out everything you need to know about American Gods in a fraction of the time!
This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.
See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!
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American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Book Analysis) - Bright Summaries
ENGLISH NOVELIST
Born in Portchester (United Kingdom) in 1960.
Notable works:
The Sandman (1989-1996), graphic novel
Neverwhere (1996), novel
Norse Mythology (2017), mythological retelling
Neil Gaiman is a wide-ranging artist, having written not only novels but also graphic novels, films, radio plays, children’s literature, and short stories, as well as occasionally performing voice-over work. Writing throughout the 1980s, Gaiman first came to prominence with his critically acclaimed graphic novel The Sandman – a rewriting of an old DC Comics fantasy character, Morpheus, the manifestation of Dreams – which was serialised from 1989 to 1996. Since then, his most noteworthy works have kept within the fantasy genre, within which he has established himself as an important turn-of-the-century author, winning top fantasy-oriented accolades including six Hugo Awards, two Nebula Awards, and four British Fantasy Awards. Frequently employing the literary device of allusion, Gaiman has a love for utilising mythologies, particularly Norse mythology, of various stripes throughout his works, culminating in such works as American Gods (2001) and Norse Mythology (2017).
FANTASY NOVEL INSPIRED BY NORSE MYTHOLOGY
Genre: fantasy novel
Reference edition: Gaiman, N. (2017) American Gods. London: Headline.
1stedition: 2001
Themes: mysterious quests, tradition vs. change, America, mythology and folklore, self-discovery, redemption, rebirth
American Gods was published in 2001, and won the 2002 Hugo and Nebula Awards for best fantasy novel.
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