Anansi Boys (Book Review)

Title: Anansi Boys

Author: Neil Gaiman

Note: All efforts have been made to keep this review short and spoiler-free. However, there are some spoilers because analysis does require some factual substantiation.  I shall try and avoid adding too many facts. This is not a gateway for potential bluffing by lazy potatoes who would rather not read those 415 pages.

"Life is too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it" 

-Vera or The Nihilists.

I recently re-read Anansi Boys. It is definitely one of those books that will bring forth a fresh perspective with each successive read.

The best part about the book is that it is written in a way that tackles the slightly dark developments in the book (eg. death per se, ripping someone's tongue out, murder...) with a touch of whimsicality and optimism. Therein, it does justice to the main character i.e., Anansi, a God who believes in perceiving his surroundings with a dash of frivolity and the optimism that one can always attempt to think one's way out of a situation, no matter how dire. This allows the other themes in the book, such as those of songs and repetitive cycles - karmic or otherwise (eg. the story of Anansi repeatedly dying)- to sinuously weave themselves into the story. The utilisation of song as a medium for chiseling identity as well as a vehicle for forging unity and acceptance, almost like a spell, is beautifully executed. The novel has a larger-than-life feel to it without being an overwhelming tome. That is a commendable feat.

The plight of the protagonist of the book i.e., Charlie reinforces a lesson that many today seem to or rather, may wish to forget. That is that an aspect of one's nature cannot be subdued forever. People have many qualities that it is best to make peace with or atleast try to provide a balanced expression to. Banishment of an aspect of onself will inevitably fail. It can lead to interesting if not disastrous results. Neglecting an integral part of oneself will have deleterious consequences on the psyche and eventually, that which is subdued will peter through or catch up.

An enjoyable aspect of the novel is the adaptation of the cosmic-mythological-mystical with modern times. The instance of the call-centre guiding the deceased towards life after death via a phone conversation was both amusing and touching in its humane attempt to comfort the deceased with the familiarity of her previous life. Another smile-inducing moment was when the witches were casting a spell and instead of the required ingredients i.e., "devil grass" and the "love-lies-bleeding" the oldest witch is informed - to her chagrin- that all they have are the store-bought "mixed herbs" that is used in italian cooking. This aspect of the cosmic-mythological and its complex relationship with modernity is dealt with much more darkly - owing to very different nuances- in Gaiman's other novel American Gods.  Since I read American Gods first, I appreciated this light-hearted exchange even more.

All in all, Anansi boys is a treat in its ability to traipse over topics lightly, at times with a bemused grin and yet provide a depth that invites one to always retrieve the book for another read. An excellent book for pretty much any occasion, especially if one might appreciate a lighter twist to a grim situation.