American Gods creator Neil Gaiman feels the world of his story is reflected in present realities, and says he was amazed when the diverse casting of the show troubled many people, adding that it is something he wished was not true. Gaiman`s novel, on which the show is based, explores the power and conflict that comes with belief, religion and faith. The author is astonished as to how a story he wrote in 1999 is still relevant.

Asked how the story has attained a new meaning in the present world, Gaiman told IANS: "When I wrote `American Gods` in 1999 and in early 2000, had you told me then that in 20 years` time this thing would be much more relevant, I don`t think I would have believed you. Had you told me the stuff I was raising in `American Gods` -- the idea that the past is never dead, and it`s always with us, and that a country like America carries its past with it (I wouldn`t have believed you). At that time, I felt that the stuff I was writing was big and obvious, and nobody was going to argue with that."