Anansi Boys (Gaiman) is great!

[politicat]

If you read American Gods, then this is an interesting contrast (the difference between the Trickster archetype in Afro-Caribbean mythology versus the same archetype in Norse). If you didn't, you don't need to.

It's far lighter than American Gods was - think Good Omens or Stardust, rather than Sandman or Neverwhere.

[architect359]

1. Can't wait to get my copy

I've been reading Gaiman's work since high school (starting with his comic, The Sandman). His story telling is deconstructivist genius I think. In any case, it will be interesting to compare and contrast, as you say, with American Gods.

[davidinalameda]

2. cool

thanks for the heads up

[Pithlet]

3. I really liked it.

I was weary because, while most reviews are good, a few fans I know didn't like it that much. But, I thought it was great. I think if you read American Gods and went into this one expecting that, it might be a disappointment, but I knew it was supposed to be much lighter.

[Nevernose]

4. I'm thinking about teaching it next year...

... to my multicultural lit class. I haven't fully justified it yet, even in my own mind, but I love the tie-ins with African/West Indian mythology, all the different locales and cultures, the subjects of racial, national, and cultural identity, and the various allusions to British and American literature. Maybe teach Macbeth for Halloween, and Anansi Boys for Christmas?

[politicat]

5. Oo. I want to take your classes!

My multicultural lit class was not nearly so fun (Very Southwest US oriented.... Sigh).