Good Omens

I first read Good Omens in April 2019. At that time, Neil Gaiman was already one of my favourite authors, so I expectations were quite high.

Being raised Catholic (and then becoming atheist as I grew up) I was well versed in the Bible and the more I read, the more question I had that were left unanswered and after hearing quite a few times "God works in mysterious ways" I just gave up asking questions. The scene in Eden portraits one of the first questions I had after reading the book of Genesis: why would the forbidden fruit be place in the middle of the garden? It seemed to me that the temptation was being created by God instead of evil forces.

I can't precisely point why I like the book as much as I do.

The beautiful relationship between an angel and a demon and how it is portrayed is a huge reason. Their relationship grew slowly and steadily throughout eons and they are not only best friends, but they are also in love. Not a carnal, human love, as angels are sexless, but a platonic and superior love that is not seen in society. There is still a massive restraint from men of showing affection and emotion to fellow men in fear they will be branded as 'gay', that those emotions and feelings are constantly repressed and it came as a breath of fresh air to read about two characters that are able to express their feelings towards each other in a non-sexual way. And the beauty of it is that they can be whatever the reader chooses them to be. Gay? Probably. Asexual? Sure! Platonic lovers? Why not?! Best friends? Definitely!

Good Omens in a nutshell is an angel and a demon trying to avert the apocalypse. The opposite forces of good and evil are preparing for the great battle that would destroy the world - basically, start a war just so you can win and prove to the other side you're better. Pretty much the thought process that a couple of current world leaders seem to have. However, no matter how much you want to see your side winning, it is always better not to have a war to win.

There are many reasons why I love Good Omens, but if I have to chose only one then I would stammer and look into space thinking, because in the end of the day, Good Omens is ineffable.