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  • Anansi Boys

  • Written by: Neil Gaiman
  • Narrated by: Lenny Henry
  • Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (158 ratings)

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Anansi Boys cover art

Anansi Boys

Written by: Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Lenny Henry
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Publisher's Summary

God is dead. Meet the kids.

When Fat Charlie's dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie "Fat Charlie." Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can't shake that name, one of the many embarrassing "gifts" his father bestowed, before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie's life.

Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall, good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie's doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who's going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun, just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.

Because, you see, Charlie's dad wasn't just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Some said he could cheat even Death himself.

Returning to the territory he so brilliantly explored in his masterful New York Times best seller American Gods, the incomparable Neil Gaiman offers up a work of dazzling ingenuity, a kaleidoscopic journey deep into myth that is at once startling, terrifying, exhilarating, and fiercely funny, a true wonder of a novel that confirms Stephen King's glowing assessment of the author as "a treasure house of story, and we are lucky to have him."

©2005 Neil Gaiman (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers

What the critics say

  • Locus Award, 2006
  • Alex Award, 2006

" "Excellent." (Stephen King)
"It's Gaiman's focus on Charlie and Charlie's attempts to return to normalcy that make the story so winning...along with gleeful, hurtling prose." (Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: The Best Neil Gaiman Audiobooks on Audible

Some of the greatest additions to the world of dark fantasy, graphic novels, and twisted fairy tales are Neil Gaiman’s books. A master of his craft, he has produced some truly epic tales full of mythical creatures, deceitful demons, tricky spirits, Norse gods, and hellish monsters. Gaiman's works are so distinct and well thought out that they have amassed a strong following of Gaiman fans. Here we've compiled our list of the best Neil Gaiman books to date.

What listeners say about Anansi Boys

Average Customer Ratings
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Brilliant

My favorite author, one of my favorite stories. I will be listening to Anansi Boys probabky rather frequently. Excellent story of a dysfunctional family and their stuggles

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still my favorite audiobook

Lenny Henry does a fantastic job narrating. Unique voices for all characters and great story.

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What an entertaining narration!

Even though the story was amazing in itself, the narration just added a whole other dimension to it.

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Can't imagine a better audio-novel...

During a recent long car trip, this book kept me enthralled, entertained, and completely engaged. Of course, Neil Gaiman is an amazing writer, but the supremely talented Lenny Henry brought the story to life better than I would have been able to in my head. Highly, unhesitatingly, recommended!

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Wish I could give 6 stars for an narration!

I am biased- I love Neil Gaiman books - another great story- very entertaining- Excellent narration and use of many voices by one person! Loved it – too short!

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Great and fun book

Really great narration and story. A fun listen. After I read American gods i have Ben. Mowing through all of Neil’s books and they are great.

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Perfect story, perfect narrator

Lenny Henry is the perfect narrator for this brilliant, quirky story. I didn't want it to end.

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I love this book

Re-listened to Anansi Boys, and loved it just as much as before. The story of Mr Nancy and his sons Spider and Fat Charlie is charming and funny. Lenny Henry is the perfect narrator.

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Beautiful, creative, and mystical storey

I enjoyed this book on a long drive home, I was so enthralled into the storey I missed a couple gas stations. The way Neil Gaimen sets out the scene and the way the narrator reads it with different voices For each character made me feel as if I was watching a live play. The storey was so fun and filled with twists and turns.

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Splendid

...and splendidly read by the great Lenny Henry. A real treat, I enjoyed every minute.

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