Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman

Is there anything to say about this book that hasn't already been said a thousand time before?

It's a good book. Well-written, and Gaiman does absurdist comedy quite well. I was very fond of the lime in particular. But I don't think he stretched his story-creating muscle much, and I didn't feel like I was reading anything new.

The 'special features' at the back startled me. As Peek said, it's not a DVD. With DVDs, just having the movie isn't enough, there needs to be extras as well. Books are there for the sake of having a story. From a writer's point of view, I quite enjoyed the cut scene, and the notebook, as it provided insight into Gaiman's writing process...but reader discussion questions? I dug my hooves in there. It's enough that I read the book and enjoyed it. I don't need to be told what I should be analysing about it, thank you very much.

And then, the dedication. I thought it was lovely. I also thought he asks for every shark-woman groupie he gets, from here on it.

Verdict: Yeah, I know. Short innit? But as I said, it's all been said before. It's a good book, well worth your time and money, but I don't know that it will open new doors in your mind.

3 comments:

  1. Sorry, should have said. The UK hardcover is what I have, not sure if the UK trade has it to, but I think so.

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  2. heh...shark women. *trembles*

    Gotta agree with the review though.

    Recently read "The Magic book" now THAT's a good read. at least I get to know how the endless tie the universe up when it ends.

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  3. Incidentally, there was some show on FOX the other night - don't know what, but it looked like it had Pamela Anderson in a bookstore or a library with some guy, and there was a large Anansi Boys poster *prominently* displayed in the background, several times. I cheered when I saw it.

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