If you like Kurt Vonnegut or the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, or are a fan of Monty Python, then chances are you will like Terry Pratchett. However, if you found those books or movies to be hard to understand, or just not funny, than Terry Pratchett is not the right writer for you.
Terry Pratchett writes Fiction with a capital F. His books are extremely clever and funny in an unexpectedly ‘punny’ kind of way. From camels that are the greatest mathematicians in the world, to ‘Death’ who is a good caretaker of cats, whatever you expect from a Terry Pratchett book will be unlike anything that you actually get.
The Gods Trilogy encompasses 3 volumes which can be bought separately. “Pyramids,” “Hogfather” and “Small Gods.” They are all individually excellent in their own right. I was originally going to write a review on one of the three books in the trilogy, but could not pick just one. They are all uniquely quirky and hilarious.
Terry Pratchett stories take place on Discworld – a flat world that is held up on the back of four elephants. Excerpt from “Pyramid:”
“And the sun toiled across the sky.
Many people have wondered why. Some people think a giant dung beetle pushes it. As explanations go it lacks a certain technical edge, and has the added drawback that, as certain circumstances may reveal, it is possibly correct.”
I lent this book to two different people. One person said, “It was too weird, I didn’t bother after the first few pages.” The other said, “Wow, I wasn’t sure what to think when I first started reading it, but I really love this author now. You know something? He is really funny!”
If you are a fan of the quirky, the zany, puns, and intelligent humor, check out this book. As a side note to new Terry Pratchett readers, I recommend starting with the second book, “Small Gods,” before starting “Pyramids” as it is a better introduction to his way of thinking.
Enjoy yourself, the trip will be extraordinary! Recommended.
