Gaiman-ia
Loryces is right; I’m well on my way to becoming a Gaiman-iac. Why else would I pick up Legends II: Shadows, Gods and Demons, and read the last novella contained therein first?
Let me elaborate:
Yesterday morning I realized that I’ve been spending way too much money on entertainment. Witness my previous post; with the exception of Snow White (a gift), everything was duly paid for. There were also 5 classics (at 99 pesos each) and a Pirates of the Caribbean VCD that didn’t make it onto the list.
In sum, I resolved not to buy anything more in the way of entertainment for this quarter — unless it’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Platinum Extended Edition or Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, either of which will put a considerable dent in my pocket, however willingly borne. Er … anyway, I resolved, and this resolve held firm. For all of 12 hours.
It was Daren’s cartolina that did me in. As I was leaving the office last night, with my jeepney fare already in my hand, I remembered that she needed red cartolina for today’s Art class. Oh, and glue. So I, perforce, headed to National Bookstore in search of the said items. Though I was in a rush, it being past 8 in the evening, I looked at the SF&F shelves out of habit. (Note to self: Maybe I should break that particular habit.) Didn’t actually expect anything new, since the featured books seem never to have changed over the past year.
But there was the book. And Neil Gaiman was emblazoned on the cover, first in the list of authors who contributed to the anthology.
So much for resolve. (Of course, yesterday morning’s discovery that I’m due for a refund on certain over-deductions may have had something to do with it.)
I brought the book home last night, along with the cartolina and glue, of course. And, uncharacteristically, I started reading the last story first, because that was Neil’s “The Monarch of the Glen.” What can I say? I’m addicted. Besides, after American Gods, I wanted to know what happened to Shadow.
So now I know … and I’m not telling! Hah! Seriously, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. It’s enough to say that it’s Neil all over –
evocative prose, sudden twists, pokes at society, and a monster or two. Greatness in 25,000 words or less.
Besides, no Gaiman fan needs to be told to go out and find a copy of Shadows, Gods and Demons.
It will find you.
****
Obviously the book is a must for Gaiman-iacs. What about fans of the other authors?
Anne McCaffrey: Sigh. “Beyond Between” should have been chucked between. This is not what I expected from someone whose work I’ve loved since I was nine.
Tad Williams: I’ve only read one of his books (Tailchaser’s Song, like Watership Down but with cats), and “The Happiest Dead Boy in the World” is way different. Literally, from another world. If you’re not acquainted with Williams’s Otherland series (like me), maybe you should go read those books first. I wish I had.
Robin Hobb: Again, I’m not familiar with Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings novels. Still, “Homecoming” is a good read for those who don’t mind petulant narrators — or who can ignore them long enough to concentrate on the narrative itself.
Robert Silverberg: Ah, Majipoor. I’ve missed you. I wish there had been Metamorphs in “The Book of Changes” — and some actual poetry would have helped, too. It’s hard to appreciate a poet’s tale when none of his verses are included.
Raymond E. Feist: This one, I haven’t read yet. Will update later.
****
So basically, I spent a book’s worth of money for a single novella.
Only a Gaiman-iac would do that without thought or regret.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 12:09 pm under Library. Both comments and pings are currently closed.