Denver Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club

      This story of clashing American gods is a perfect vehicle for Gaiman's delightful writing style. No matter how many unreal elements he includes, Gaiman always manages for the story as a whole to maintain a believable feel. One doesn't expect to meet a giant talking crow while wandering through the woods, but if you ever did, and if on a lark you asked it to say "Nevermore," I am certain that it would in fact respond, "Fuck you."

       Shadow is an interesting and sympathetic main character, even though he is very much in the mold of somber protagonists Gaiman seems to favor. The other mortal characters are also done well, combining for a nice portrait of Middle America. I particularly liked Sam Black Crow, and was quite disappointed that she never played as important a role in the story as Gaiman hinted she might.

       The old gods are a wonderful metaphor for the American melting pot. Mostly, though, they're just a lot of fun to read about. They may be down on their luck, but they never lack for wit. Just getting to meet them was worth the price of admission.

       I can't say, however, that I ever felt terribly involved in the struggle between the old gods and the new. It never felt important to me how it all might play out. And I was disappointed that we didn't see more of the new gods. I would have liked to learn more about them. In particular, I have a hard time understanding Gaiman's choice to avoid any explicit explanation for how the Judeo-Christian God fits in with the other American gods.

What do you think? Your comments are welcome. Please send them to vanaaron@excite.com