Hugo Award Best Novel Winner
American Gods
by Neil Gaiman
Summary
Neil Gaiman's contemporary fantasy follows an ex convict named Shadow who becomes the bodyguard for the mysterious Mr. Wednesday as a war brews between old gods brought to America by immigrants and the new gods of media, technology, and consumerism. The novel blends road trip Americana with mythology drawn from many cultures, exploring belief, identity, and what the United States does to the divine. Its sprawling, atmospheric storytelling made it a landmark of modern fantasy.
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Historical Context & Significance
American Gods swept the major genre prizes, winning the Hugo, Nebula, Bram Stoker, and Locus awards, and was later adapted into a television series by Starz.