Jun 28 2010
Book Review: Good Omens
I want to start by saying that Good Omens is masterfully written: it’s attention to detail, its rich characterization, and it’s unique and never-fail humor is second to none (or, at least, very few). As a writer myself, I was constantly jealous of both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s skills. DAMN YOU! But also THANK YOU!
That said, I feel that behind this brilliance is an acquired taste. . .and while I appreciate the skill, I’m just not a large fan of the style. Good Omens is a classic, for sure. All my geeky friends think it is a work of art and genius and that is fantastic. I’m glad I read it. . .but, at times, I wished it was a short story (which, I heard, it originally was. . .without an ending). Good Omens, to me, is a book of moderation. I would read 50 or so pages, laugh a lot, but when another free opportunity came up to read it. . .I waited until I was in the mood again. We’re not talking WEEKS or anything but I can’t deny that perhaps one single week would go by without picking this book up because. . .well. . .I’d tire of the style. To each his own. . .I can’t deny Good Omens brilliance. . .I just prefer it in small doses.
In the end, humor comes down to taste and Good Omens isn’t necessarily my type of humor. Granted, I did laugh hysterically often in this book and for that I am grateful. I can see some people reading this in one sitting and endlessly laughing but I felt that if I power-read this I’d end up hating it. . .so it took awhile but Good Omens, for me, in moderation, was worth the long haul.
,
[...] I said in my very short review of Good Omens (which he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett), I mentioned that Gaiman’s ideas are glorious for [...]