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A review by frootlupo
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
dark
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Gaiman’s characteristic wit and wry humour are on full display in his fantastic retelling of Norse Mythology.
Truthfully, I came into this book without reading any reviews or much about the book as a whole, and so I was expecting a work of original fiction set in a Norse Mythological setting (perhaps with a Dirk Gently kind of vibe).
I was wrong. Norse Mythology is a pretty straightforward retelling of its eponymous source material - albeit one infused with a droll British sensibility. This in no way reduced my enjoyment of the book - just came as a bit of a surprise. Gaiman works his way through some of the greatest Norse hits, and attempts to weave them into a semi-cohesive narrative. He succeeds as well as anyone could while attempting to stay true to the often contradictory source material that is basically any ancient mythology.
Taken as a whole, Norse Mythology is a funny, enjoyable retelling of some classic stories whether or not you are familiar with them.
I was wrong. Norse Mythology is a pretty straightforward retelling of its eponymous source material - albeit one infused with a droll British sensibility. This in no way reduced my enjoyment of the book - just came as a bit of a surprise. Gaiman works his way through some of the greatest Norse hits, and attempts to weave them into a semi-cohesive narrative. He succeeds as well as anyone could while attempting to stay true to the often contradictory source material that is basically any ancient mythology.
Taken as a whole, Norse Mythology is a funny, enjoyable retelling of some classic stories whether or not you are familiar with them.