Feminism in the Worlds of Neil Gaiman

February 1, 2013

Here editors Prescott (writing programs, Univ. of California, Los Angeles) and Drucker provide readers with 16 new essays on feminism and gender roles in sf/fantasy writer Neil Gaiman's (American Gods; Stardust) works. Essays use the term "feminism" broadly, seeking to avoid any social, political, or literary leanings, and attempt to cover multiple forms of Gaiman's writings, including comics, short stories, novels, etc. While nearly half the essays are devoted to discussing the author's comics, with his novels given disproportionately little attention, readers will find here thoughtful, concise discussions of feminism in Gaiman's writing, including essays on topics like domesticity in "The Queen of Knives" and changes in motherhood in MirrorMask and Coraline. VERDICT There is little previously written on this topic, and though the coverage is less than well rounded, literary scholars and readers interested in Gaiman's writing, feminism, or gender studies will find this collection valuable.--Jennifer Harris, Mercyhurst Univ. Lib., Erie, PA

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