While I’m entrenched in Upton Sinclair’s “Oil!”, I figured I’d add a review of yet another book in Canongate’s myths series.
In his contribution to the series, Alexander McCall Smith tells the tale of Angus (or Aengus), the Celtic god of dreams.
“Dream Angus” weaves chapters on the life of Angus — who is also the god of love and youth — with short, contemporary stories that have themes of dreams, love, youth and trickery.
Angus was fathered by the powerful Dagda, and taken from his mother at a young age to be raised by another son of Dagda’s.
Now, Dagda is kind of the leader of all the Celtic gods. He’s depicted as a less-than-moral being. In fact, Angus was born out of an affair Dagda had with Boann, a river goddess.
Angus is depicted much differently, as a compassionate god who is loved by everyone he meets, much different than Dagda.
The book follows Angus’ life, his trials and his eventual discovery of who his real father is (and subsequent tricking Dagda into giving up his power).
The tales Smith tells within that larger story of Angus’ life show real people in contemporary times that sort of embody the god’s qualities.
Once again, a book in this series takes a unique route, but with no less success than the others I’ve read. If you’re interested in mythology, or think a contemporary telling would spark your interest, check it out.
Other reviews of books in this series:
I have just given up on this book after trying to read it several times over the last few months. Admittedly, I have never been a fan of myths, but I thought a modern re-telling would be interesting. While the writing is good, I didn't like the way the story shifted from myth to present and back. And I'd be left hanging when one of the stories ended. I think I got about three-quarters through the book before I put it back on the shelf. It's written well enough, I guess, but it's not riveting and it lost me.