Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Dream Angus: The Celtic God of Dreams (Myths, The)
by Alexander McCall Smith

A contemporary, lyrical retelling of the ancient tale of Angus, Celtic god of dreams and love. This is the latest entry in Canongate's Myth series, featuring such literary notables as Margaret Atwood, Chinua Achebe, and Karen Armstrong.

Angus is the son of chief Celtic god Dagda and Boann, a water nymph. Soon after his birth, the infant is snatched up by his formidable father and delivered to Dagda's other son, Midir, to be raised. Too young to know better, Angus assumes his brother is his father. The clever boy soon learns the truth and plays a trick on his self-absorbed dad. Alongside this playful plot, McCall Smith weaves modern-day yarns in which well-intentioned (and often devious) Angus transforms troubled lives: he remedies a newlywed couple's rocky start; bonds two beloved Scottish brothers, soon to be separated by thousands of miles; and quietly intercedes to prevent a father and son from coming to blows.

This was very different than previous novels by Smith. It felt kind of disjointed yet not at the same time. I've read most of his other series and I liked how this had a different voice. I cannot exactly say it was my favorite but it was good. I don't know how he finds time to write all that he does.