Review of 'Anansi Boys'

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Fat Charlie is an average bloke who, on the death of his father learns that his father was not so average being Anansi, the trickster spider-god, and he also learns he has a brother, the aptly named, “Spider”. Seeking to get to know his brother that he has never met he invites Spider in…this is the beginning of what becomes the destruction of his life as he knows it. Very quickly his gregarious brother insinuates himself as Fat Charlie, falls in love with Fat Charlie's fianc?e and exposes financial irregularities at Fat Charlie's work - The later causing a very real threat to not only Fat Charlie's livelihood but also his life. It is now up to Fat Charlie to sort out the mess with the help of his erstwhile elderly American “aunts” who happen to be witches…

Very odd, amusing and enjoyable Gaiman once again shows us what he made of. Enough twists to keep the reader entertained - As soon as you think you know where things are going, the rug is pulled out from under you. The coincidences are often a bit hard to take but, hey, it's a novel and he is a god…Gaiman has us easily believing this seriously unbelievable world he shows us. We are drawn to sympathise and, yes, laugh at Fat Charlie as his shallow world comes down around him. We cheer him to make good and take his revenge on his brother…

Don't expect serious social commentary or deep philosophical insights here. But, a good read and a bit of a laugh…check.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2015-02-14


Genre: Fantasy

Publication Date: 2005


Other reviewed books by Neil Gaiman:

Other reviewed books by Neil Gaiman, and Terry Pratchett: