Anansi Boys

by Neil Gaiman

Paperback, 452 pages

English language

Published July 10, 2006 by Headline Review.

ISBN:: 978-0-7553-0509-4

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(18 reviews)

GOD IS DEAD MEET THE KIDS

Fat Charlie Nancy is not having a good week. His estranged father recently dropped dead on a karaoke stage and has left Fat Charlie with much more than embarrassment. Because, you see, Charlie has discovered that his dad wasn't just any dad. He was Anansi the trickster spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and even baffle the devil. No wonder Fat Charlie’s life is about to be turned upside down.

Written by one of fiction’s most audaciously original talents Anansi Boys is a kaleidoscopic journey deep into myth that is at once startling, terrifying and fiercely funny. --back cover

9 editions

Stephanie Jane reviewed Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

A fabulous story

5 stars

Anansi Boys was chosen as the second of three group reads for January by the Proud Readers Of Great Stories group on Goodreads to which I belong. I had already loved hearing the audiobook edition, superbly narrated by Lenny Henry, a few years ago so decided to borrow my OH's ebook edition this time around. I couldn't actually remember much of the story at all which I was glad about because I couldn't spoil any surprises for myself!

Gaiman's tale, at heart, is a coming of age story of sibling rivalry where our inept hero must overcome not only his brother's suave sophistication, but also his own crises of confidence. I could empathise with Fat Charlie on so many occasions! However, this being Gaiman, he also encounters no end of fantastical and supernatural beings which are vividly described so I could easily imagine them all. These beings are inspired by ancient folk tales, 'told before people were even sung into existence'. I recognised several as Brer Rabbit tales and others from Caribbean and African literature I have read and thought this gave Gaiman's imagined world extra power. He has obviously thoroughly researched the mythology and I love how ancient stories and beliefs are woven into Fat Charlie's search. I devoured the whole book in only a couple of sittings because I was so keen to remain within its magic and to know what happens next. A fabulous story!

Rudi reviewed Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Review of 'Anansi Boys' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

"Fat Charlie" is like an Arthur Dent-character a bit more grounded in reality, while the supernatural gags in the book often reminded me of Discworld. While I really enjoyed how the book plays with folklore (like American Gods), I never really got the feeling for the characters.

Strakul reviewed Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Review of 'Anansi Boys' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This book was way better than I expected. My initial impression suffered from an unlikeable character and simplistic plot, but Gaiman is able to go with this and make you care and like it. By the end you love the characters and realize the plot was more intricate than you expected. There's also a lot of good humor throughout the book, so much so that I actually chuckled or laughed out loud several times.
I don't remember too much from [b:American Gods|4407|American Gods|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1258417001s/4407.jpg|1970226], which is set in the same universe, but I got a far better impression with this book.

For a full review: strakul.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-review-anansi-boys-by-neil-gaiman.html