American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including mythology, rebirth and the conflict between tradition and modernity. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 54-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Neil Gaiman
• Presentation of American Gods
• Summary of American Gods
• Character study
  • Shadow Moon
  • Mr Wednesday/Odin
  • Mr World/Loki/Low Key Lyesmith
  • Laura Moon
  • Mr Nancy/Anansi
  • Technical Boy
  • Czernobog
  • Mad Sweeney
  • Zorya Polunochnaya
  • Mr Jaquel/Anubis
  • Sam Black Crow
  • Chad Mulligan
  • Richie Hinzelmann
• Analysis of American Gods
  • Mythology and the fantasy genre
  • Old vs. new, and ulterior motives
  • Death, journey, rebirth – and repeat

About American Gods

American Gods takes the reader on an epic journey across modern-day America by way of ancient myth and legend. Its protagonist, the unsuspecting Shadow Moon, begins the novel as a convict who receives the devastating news that his wife has died just before he finishes his jail time. Drowning in despair, he accepts a job from a mysterious man called Mr Wednesday, who begins assembling the Old Gods – figures from mythology and folklore from across the world, brought to America by their followers – against the forces of the New Gods, who are becoming more powerful as modern-day Americans’ worship is increasingly directed towards technology and the media. Shadow is caught between opposing loyalties as a calamitous showdown between the gods approaches – and he may be the only one who can stop it…

American Gods was first published in 2001. It has recently been adapted into a television series of the same name starring Ricky Whittle.

About Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is one of the most influential fantasy authors of the 21^st century. He has published novels, short stories, graphic novels and children’s literature, and has also worked in the film and radio industries. His work has won many top accolades for fantasy literature, including six Hugo awards, and has frequently been adapted for film and television, most notably including the 2007 film adaptation of his novel Stardust, and the upcoming television adaptation of his novel Good Omens (co-written with Terry Pratchett), which is due to begin airing in 2019.