Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

About:

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is a retelling of the stories which captivated many over centuries. Mr. Gaiman is a prolific author – and one of my personal favorites.

• 304 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039360909X

 

My rating for Norse Mythology– 3
Buy Norse Mythology from Amazon.com*
More Books by Neil Gaiman*

Thoughts:

I was very excited to read another Neil Gaiman work. I have enjoyed several of his books and graphic novels. His imagination knows no bounds, and his storytelling is masterful.

I knew very little about these stories before opening the book, and was looking forward to learn more. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman does not disappoint, as the author tells wonderful stories in an easy to read, relatable manner.

I speculate that Mr. Gaiman tried to make these stories a bit more interesting than they actually are, while staying away from “comic book” lore, or to make them too pop-culture like. The gods in these stories sure do talk a lot, they are good natured but treats being a wise-ass as a good thing.

I did expect this book to have a bit more adult oriented material, especially from the author of American Gods. I don’t want to believe that the gods of Vikings and Shield Maidens were this passive and didn’t relish in blood, violence and gore. This book almost feels like it was toned down for children or American public sentiment.

A quick story: while I was reading this book the subject of Norse mythology came up on the TV quiz show Jeopardy. I missed the answer only to find out that two pages away from the correct response.

Such is life.

Buy Norse Mythology from Amazon.com*
More Books by Neil Gaiman*

Zohar — Man of la Book
Dis­claimer: I bought this book.
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account