Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman Review

Title: Norse Mythology
Author: Neil Gaiman
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Anthologies/Short Story Collections
Series: Standalone
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book through my local library and reviewed it.

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors, one of my go-to's, really. His work is endlessly creative and inspiring, and ever since I've discovered his work, I've looked up to him, voraciously devouring a good amount of his books. Last year, when I heard that he was releasing a brand new book, a new interpretation of Norse myths, I was so excited! Ever since, I've been waiting to reading it. It's been sitting in my library stack for a while now, the stark black cover, emblazoned with Mjolnr, Thor's hammer of thunder, has been beckoning to me, begging to be read. I'm kind of kicking myself now, because I loved it so much!

I'll say this, before I officially begin. I'm familiar with many different types of mythology, but Norse is not one of them. I know only the bare bones of the stories, so I was so excited for the opportunity to have these stories told, through Gaiman's unique lens. Norse Mythology contains sixteen different tales, all told with Gaiman's own particular magic. I loved it. I devoured it in less than a day. The lush, gorgeous prose created such an atmosphere, and it really made me long for the cold, bitter environment of Norway--if only to add to the ambiance of it all! I really want to dig deeper into these myths, especially those of Hel.

I loved these stories so much, and it's so wonderful to be able to get a glimpse of the world through the eyes of the ancients, of magical rites, oaths made by powerful yet fallible gods. I loved the way Gaiman spun the gods, so that they were like the way they were from the myths, but at the same time, somehow, they feel modern! What a book! The prose hypnotized me entirely, and I laughed and cried as I made my way through the stories, imagining the wild, wily gods fighting ice giants, pulling pranks on mountain trolls and one another. And that ending story! I loved it so much. Easily one of Neil Gaiman's best works, and I only wish that there was more! The bottom line: A fantastic collection of Norse myths told by a titan in fiction, I loved Norse Mythology, and I wish there was more! Next on deck: The Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser!

Comments

  1. Hi fellas,
    Thank you so much for this wonderful article really!
    If someone want to read more about that thor hammer I think this is the right place for you!

    ReplyDelete

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