Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman

    In the book Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, we embark on a journey with African American "Fat Charlie," the protagonist. Charlie finds out that his father Mr. Nancy, is actually an African trickster god known as Anansi and that he has a brother who has inherited the super natural abilities.  Charlie lives in London with his fiancee, Rosie and has a decent job. 

    A family friend of Charlie named Callyanne Higgler is the one who informs Charlie of his brother and his father's true identity. Higgler also tells Charlie that in order for him to meet his brother, he must speak with a spider. Later, Charlie drunkenly talks to a spider and the next day, his brother appears who goes by the nickname "Spider." Charlie is taken by Spider through a picture frame of their childhood home, and Spider shows Charlie what happened to their father. 

    The magic in this story reminds me of the magical world in Alice in Wonderland. This is because of the way animals or bugs are humanized, and the many other elements present such as time travel and mysteries to be uncovered. Charlie is like Alice because he embarks on this magical journey. Also, he has led a normal life so far leading up to where the story takes place.

    I would say that this story is unique from other fantasy conventions because it seems to have a darker tone. Charlie is even arrested at one point. What I liked about this read is the plot surprise, when Charlie learns that he is the other half of his brother Spider. Most importantly, Charlie learns that he is the good side of and Spider is the bad side. Near the end of the story, Charlie learns that he possesses some of his fathers powers, and most prominently, the ability to alter reality by singing. What seems to be different in this story is the fact that Charlie remains "normal" at the end. He uses his special singing ability to become a regular singer.

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