Why people recommend it
Accidental Gods by Anna Della Subin is a historical exploration of mortals who were elevated to divine status, examining the intersection of religion, empire, and political power across various cultures. The book was featured on The Book Review podcast on July 18, 2024, in an episode titled The Life of a Jazz Age Madam. During the sign-off segment, critic Jennifer Szalai recapped her recent journalistic work, reminding listeners that she had reviewed the volume. Earlier in the broadcast, Szalai introduced the publication during her discussion, describing it as a very different kind of book written by Anna Della Subin. Szalai explained that the text investigates unusual historical instances where ordinary human beings were perceived and worshipped as deities by different societies. The work draws praise for its ambitious scope, meticulous research, and thought-provoking analysis of how belief systems are constructed through historical contingencies and imperial encounters. Readers interested in comparative religion, anthropology, and unconventional history find the book a fascinating examination of the thin line between humanity and divinity throughout global civilizations.
Who recommended it
- Jennifer Szalai Recommended
Jennifer Szalai — 2 mentions
“so I reviewed something recently that's a very different kind of book it's called accidental gods and it's by anadel subin”
“and I reviewed accidental Gods by Anna delis subin”