I liked the plot (well, except for the end) and the ideas, but the writing was horrible. Gaiman is the complete opposite of Vonnegut in style---he described in detail the character's apperaence, mind-set and actions. He provides details for the most mundane activities that a few words could easily convey. I felt myself wanting to pick up a pen and start editing the paragraphs. I did rewrite a few sentences in my head.
I was considering that Gaiman provided the detail to slow the reader down or to draw a distinction between Shadow's life and those of the gods. There is, though, much better methods for slowing down a story rather than giving intrecate stage directions. He also described the actions of the gods and their details in a simliar manner as he did those of Shadow's.
I did like the interludes---sort of background stories of the gods---that Gaiman added. Those were much crisper and better constructed in terms of detail than the rest of the rest of the book. I would have liked to read more of them.
The story, though, was good. I like the idea of gods floating around in modern times, trying, much like the rest of us, to find a place to fit in an always changing world. I had trouble, though, identifying many of the characters mythology. Gaiman was drawing from so many traditions, it was hard to keep track. I guess that is partly the point---that so many gods were brought to the US, that it is hard to keep track of them.
Overall, reasonably paced, poorly written, but a good story. Maybe a good book for a long plane flight where you can do little more than sit and read.
4/10
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