08 Jan Book Review: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Disclaimer: I started writing this review before the Neil Gaiman allegations (as detailed here) and I do not address them in my review. I may write an article addressing them more broadly in the future as I think it is an important topic.

I first read Anansi Boys on a rainy Saturday curled up on my couch, the kind of day where all you want is a story that can make you forget the drizzle outside. Neil Gaiman’s name alone was enough to lure me in—I mean, American Gods had already hooked me on his whole “gods living among us” vibe. Plus, anything with a trickster god as the main feature? Yes, please. Growing up, I was that kid who always chose mythological tricksters in storybooks—Loki, Anansi, Coyote—you name it, I was rooting for them. So, I thought, if anyone could make me laugh, gasp, and feel all the feels in one go, it was Neil Gaiman.

What’s it about?

Anansi Boys opens with Charles “Fat Charlie” Nancy—who, let’s be clear, isn’t fat but has been stuck with this nickname since childhood, thanks to his irreverent father. Charlie’s life is the epitome of dull: a dead-end job in London, an awkward engagement to his sweet but slightly overbearing fiancée Rosie, and a general lack of confidence that’s almost palpable. His biggest goal in life seems to be avoiding embarrassment, which, let’s face it, is a losing battle when you’ve got a father like his.

The plot takes off when Charlie’s father dies unexpectedly—while performing karaoke, no less (because of course he does). At the funeral, Charlie discovers that his father wasn’t just an eccentric old man; he was Anansi, the trickster spider god of West African folklore. As if that revelation weren’t enough, Charlie learns he has a long-lost brother named Spider. This brother doesn’t just stroll into Charlie’s life—he crashes in, full of charm, swagger, and supernatural abilities that turn Charlie’s carefully mediocre existence into a swirling chaos of magic, crime, and old grudges.

Spider is everything Charlie isn’t: confident, unpredictable, and more than a little mischievous. When Spider shows up uninvited, he charms everyone around him, including Rosie, much to Charlie’s dismay. But Spider’s arrival isn’t just about reconnecting with family—his presence stirs up some ancient rivalries. Enter Tiger, a god who’s been holding a grudge against Anansi for centuries. Tiger’s wrath spills over to Charlie and Spider, turning their reunion into a battle for survival.

Things get complicated fast. Charlie, in a desperate bid to rid himself of Spider, inadvertently unleashes Tiger’s dangerous fury. As the brothers attempt to untangle themselves from the mess, the story whisks readers from London to the Caribbean and into a world where gods and mortals intermingle. Along the way, Charlie begins to confront not just his father’s legacy but his own insecurities, learning that being ordinary might be more extraordinary than he realized.

The supporting characters add plenty of spice to the mix. Rosie is the epitome of sweet and supportive fiancée, but her mother is another story entirely—sharp-tongued and fiercely protective, she brings plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Then there’s Daisy, a no-nonsense detective with a soft spot for Charlie that grows as the story unfolds. She’s a breath of fresh air, grounding the story’s whimsical chaos with her pragmatic approach to life and crime.

The plot is a whirlwind of mythological hijinks. One minute Charlie’s trying to navigate his mundane life, and the next he’s caught up in a godly heist involving stolen voices, vengeful gods, and magical contracts. Gaiman masterfully weaves folklore into the narrative, creating a world that feels both fantastical and deeply rooted in human experience. The mythological elements never feel tacked on; they’re intrinsic to the characters and their relationships, adding depth and richness to the story.

Despite the larger-than-life premise, the heart of Anansi Boys is the relationship between Charlie and Spider. Their sibling dynamic is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, as they bicker, bond, and slowly begin to understand each other. Spider’s flashy exterior hides vulnerabilities, while Charlie’s quiet nature masks a strength he’s only beginning to discover. Watching their relationship evolve—from rivalry to camaraderie—is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

And let’s not forget the humor. Gaiman has a gift for comedic timing, and Anansi Boys is packed with witty dialogue, absurd situations, and moments of sheer hilarity. Even when the stakes are high, the book never loses its sense of fun. Whether it’s Anansi’s larger-than-life antics, Charlie’s bumbling attempts to reclaim control of his life, or the gods’ petty squabbles, there’s always something to keep you grinning.

By the end, Anansi Boys isn’t just a story about gods and magic—it’s a celebration of storytelling itself, of how tales shape our lives and identities. It’s a wild, heartfelt adventure that blends the extraordinary with the deeply personal, leaving you laughing, cheering, and maybe even wiping away a tear or two.

What This Chick Thinks

Let me just say it upfront: this book is a riot. Gaiman’s knack for mixing the magical and the mundane is on full display here, and I loved every second of it. The humor is sharp—like, I actually laughed out loud at points, which rarely happens when I’m reading. The banter between Charlie and Spider is gold, and the way their sibling dynamic shifts throughout the story feels so real despite all the divine craziness surrounding them.

The character work is what really sold me. Charlie, bless his heart, is the kind of underdog you can’t help but root for, even when he’s being a bit of a doormat. And Spider? Spider’s the guy you want to hate because he’s too smooth for his own good, but you end up loving him anyway. The supporting cast, from Rosie and Daisy to the creepy Tiger and the hilarious Bird Woman, are just as well-drawn, making the whole world feel alive and buzzing with personality.

The plot does meander a little, especially in the middle, but honestly? I didn’t mind. The detours are so entertaining that I was happy to just go along for the ride. And while the stakes never feel super high—this isn’t a story about saving the world—it’s deeply personal, which made it all the more satisfying when everything came together.

One tiny gripe: if you’re not into whimsical storytelling with a touch of absurdity, this might not be your jam. Gaiman’s style is very “let me take you on a quirky tangent,” which I personally adore but can see how it might not be for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Anansi Boys is a warm, chaotic hug of a book that celebrates family, identity, and the power of a good story. It’s funny, touching, and endlessly inventive, and Gaiman’s writing feels like sitting down with an old friend who always has the best tales to tell. I’d give it a solid 9/10—honestly, it’s a near-perfect read for anyone who loves mythology, sibling shenanigans, or just a good laugh.

Try it if you like:

1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett – If you loved the humor and heart in this angel-meets-demon romp, you’ll enjoy the similar vibes in Anansi Boys.
2. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – For those who like their magical realism with a side of heartwarming relationships and quirky characters.
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Another book that blends whimsy and wonder, with a dash of romance and some truly unforgettable imagery.