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A review by kvclements
Ragnarök: The End of the Gods by A.S. Byatt
5.0
This time of year makes me think of poetry and Norse mythology and after seeing "Thor: Ragnarok," I decided to reread this book (and leave a review this time!)
It's a very poetic experience with a lot of list-style description that somehow doesn't seem boring even though it repeats. It really grounds you in the world while simultaneously keeping you in this dream-like state. The book doesn't cover all of the Norse myths, just the ones necessary to relate to Ragnarok with some very interesting characters sketches, especially of Loki. Yes, Loki is a big reason why I reread this. As I child I'd never liked or understood Loki's character, but now as an adult, I'm seeing a lot more nuance and complexity and purpose that simply went over my head. I was not nearly as precocious as "the thin child in wartime" whom we read along with.
So if you like Norse myths, lyrical literature, or just want to see a different portrait of our favorite mischief-maker, I definitely recommend "Ragnarok: The End of the Gods."
It's a very poetic experience with a lot of list-style description that somehow doesn't seem boring even though it repeats. It really grounds you in the world while simultaneously keeping you in this dream-like state. The book doesn't cover all of the Norse myths, just the ones necessary to relate to Ragnarok with some very interesting characters sketches, especially of Loki. Yes, Loki is a big reason why I reread this. As I child I'd never liked or understood Loki's character, but now as an adult, I'm seeing a lot more nuance and complexity and purpose that simply went over my head. I was not nearly as precocious as "the thin child in wartime" whom we read along with.
So if you like Norse myths, lyrical literature, or just want to see a different portrait of our favorite mischief-maker, I definitely recommend "Ragnarok: The End of the Gods."