#BookReview | Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Title: Norse Mythology
By: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Mythology / Retelling 
Release Date: Feb 7th, 2017
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Summary from Goodreads: Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again. 

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Review: I've been waiting for this one for a while now from the library. It was stupid of me not to request it on Netgalley when I had the chance, but here it is. 

I've been drawn to Norse mythology in recent years since my husband is 1/4 Norwegian, and my boys 1/8. I'm also a huge fan of the Thor movies from Marvel, even though I know they are not the same thing, but still a good story. 

This book was all about actual myths, told from the eye of the writer. Gaiman gave color to a seeming old world, where things have a tendency to get lost in translation. It was fun to see how Loki always caused trouble and Thor seemed like an oaf. Poor Freya always seemed to get married off to some ugly brute, and lots of people lost limbs, but that is the way of the vikings... If you like a compilation of short stories, then try out Norse Mythology. You won't be disappointed. 


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