Pratchett, Terry - Reaper Man

[oyceter]

The problem with Reaper Man is that there's a great book in there, but it's unfortunately diluted by the really boring book that's also in there.

Death of Discworld gets fired from his job and ends up working on a farm for an old lady (the great book). Since he basically just runs off without giving two weeks notice, strange things start happening on Discworld as life starts to accumulate and as the dead get undead (the really boring book).

I could have cared less about the entire plot that has to do with Poon and his not-afterlife, the Unseen University, and the snowglobes attempting to take over the world. I find that in general, I'm bored to death by the wizards (I suspect this is why everyone says to skip the Rincewind books?). Also, the wizarding world is so male! I mean, I am stating the obvious, but it was hard to get used to after reading a lot of the witches books in a row.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the storyline about Death. I loved how excited he was about time, and then how afraid he got about mortality. I loved his relationship with Miss Flitworth and especially the resolution, which was touching even as it was a little funny, unlike the entire snowglobe/Poon plot.

Also: DEATH OF RATS OMG CUTEST THING EVER SQUEEEE!

Also also, Pratchett mentions the Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents here! I had no idea!

In conclusion: Death of Rats = Best Thing EVAR.

Especially that last bit with Death and the Death of Rats and the Death of Fleas and the matter of proper steeds. That was awesome.

Comments

[fresne.livejournal.com]

Oh,yeah. I tend to forget that there's another plot arc because, I cough, tend to skip it when I re-read the book. Yeah, yeah, wizards. Death and the whole awesome not-a-romance-novel plot arc they've got going. And hey, he does end up with the best companion ever - DEATH OF RATS. So it is a romance of sorts.

[oyceter]

I love the not-a-romance-novel plot and Death of Rats so much!

Rincewind vs wizard story arc

[atuinsails.livejournal.com]

I like Rincewind, but dislike the wizards as a whole. In this particular book, you are right that it really could have been two books, but I wouldn't write off the Rincewind arc all together. There are several novels later on where Rincewind is pretty much on his own without the other wizards (Interesting Times, Four Ecks, etc). I'd at least flip through one of those before writing Rincewind's story off altogether.

Re: Rincewind vs wizard story arc

[oyceter]

I'm planning on reading Interesting Times because it's on China, so we'll see! I'm also trying not to read too much Pratchett at once so I don't burn out on them.

[kate_nepveu]

The Death of Rats makes several more appearances. Also, subsequent Death books include a prominent female character.

Do you want the rundown of all Discworld books?

[oyceter]

I got a lot of rundowns here, which I've been following, though I'm always up for more.

I've been trying to read vaguely in order for the various lines, though I skip around lines depending on what my library has or not. So far I've read all the YA ones, am waiting for Maskerade to get in so I can keep reading the witches ones, finally got Guards! Guards! so will read that soon, and am continuing with the Death ones.

I think I'll also end up reading Small Gods and the Industrial Age books, along with Interesting Times to check out Pratchett doing China.

I got to prominent female character! Will have to write that up soon.

[kate_nepveu]

*looks* Yes, yes you did. Only thing I would add is that even though _The Last Hero_ is nominally a Rincewind book, I rather like it. (Comes after _Interesting Times_.)

[oyceter]

Got it, thanks!

[vom-marlowe.livejournal.com]

The Death of Rats is a recurring character! =D

Also--most of the wizard bits drive me nuts, but there are some later books that have very amusing Chancellor Ridcully bits. Well, amusing to me, at least, because they ring so true. Also, have you met the librarian yet? Heee!

I think you might enjoy the later Death books that also includes another character.

[oyceter]

I am so happy Death of Rats is recurring!

I just finished Soul Music over the weekend, will write that one up soon.

I've met the Librarian, though so far he doesn't amuse me as much -- I think while I like the funny in the books, I like them better when there's deeper characterization as well, which is why the bits I've seen of the wizards haven't been working for me. Though I did like seeing Ridcully in Lords and Ladies.

[slrose.livejournal.com]

Equal Rites is a lot about the maleness of the wizarding world.

Featuring the first appearance of Granny Weatherwax.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it's boring. IMO. Monstrous Regiment is a much better take on a similar idea.

The only parts of Reaper Man I remember at all are the bits with Death, so... yeah, I bet the rest was forgettable.

[raucousraven.livejournal.com]

Monstrous Regiment remains one of my favourite Discworld novels for that reason. The others tend to involve certain Mr. Vimes and a predatory flamingo named Havelock.

[oyceter]

It was very forgettable, but the Death bits were awesome.

[oyceter]

I just got it via Bookmooch when I mistakenly thought it was a later witches book, oh well.

[coraa.livejournal.com]

The Wizard books are the ones I don't tend to reread, yeah -- there are some good moments in some of the later ones, but overall I much prefer Death and Susan, the witches, or the Watch.

As someone else has said, the Death of Rats recurs in several of the later Death books.

[oyceter]

I cheer on further appearances of the Death of Rats!

[jinian.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I didn't realize there was an Educated Rats ref. Will have to reread the interesting plot.

[oyceter]

I can't remember if it's in the interesting plot or not! I think it is, because I think it's the farming community that mentions it. Otherwise you will have to slog through the boring parts ;).

But yeah, I was so surprised! It's mentioned twice too.

[steelehearts.livejournal.com]

don't write off the wizards just yet. pratchett's take is on education system as a whole, a theme he continues with the character of susan sto helit. but that's primary school ducation, and this is unseen university. :) and of course, pratchett is also cracking a joke at the wizards/ magicians/ sorcerers that turn up in every othr fantasy novel.

after reading all the pratchett books (almost - haven't read 'making money' yet) for five years, i have come to the conclusion that ther are there is practically nothing on roundworld that he does not choose to parody.

'monstrous regiment' is indeed one of his best. but it strikes me as an extremely _angry_ book. another wonderful one is 'lords and ladies'. try that.

[oyceter]

I think I may hold off on them a bit... I do mean to read Interesting Times to see what he does with China, but in general, I've found that books that take on college just don't resonate with me (see also: Tam Lin and College of Magic).

I just read Lords and Ladies last week, loved it!

[fourthage.livejournal.com]

This is the one with the sentient malls, right? I can never remember which book those are in because they're so disconnected with the rest of the story.

Carpe Jugulum is my favorite of the Witches books, and is I think the last Pratchett will write outside of the the Tiffany Aching novels. I'm interested in seeing if you get the same sense of closure from it.

[oyceter]

Yeah, it's the sentient malls. So weird! So random!

Oooo, yay for more Witches books! I really loved Lords and Ladies so am looking forward to the next ones (my library has ordered Maskerade but it's not here yet, woe!).

[chomiji]

Yes, Reaper Man is one of my in-between Pratchetts. I don't despise it, like I do the early Pratchetts, but I rarely go back to re-read it. I think I've gone back to it only once, when I wanted to follow Death's journey of the mind as far as his understanding of human beings.

You've pretty much highlighted the parts I liked about it myself. BTW, the Art of Discworld book has some excellent pix of the Death of Rats. And of course, it plays a prominent role in Hogfather.

Hmmm ... if you pace yourself, you could read Hogfather in December. That would be so very appropriate!

[oyceter]

Pacing? What is this pacing of which you speak? ;)

I really need to find Art of Discworld now. Also, yay Death of Rats in Hogfather!

[shewhohashope.livejournal.com]

I completely forgot about the boring subplot. Looking back at my Discworld summary, I don't seem to think of it as part of the novel. Reaper Man is all about Death's 'Bridges of Madison County' adventure for me.

Lords and Ladies! My favourite Witches book, bar none.

I may re-read Maskerade now I've seen 'the Phantom of the Opera'.

[oyceter]

It sounds like a lot of people forgot about the boring subplot, which is rather indicative of how boring it is.

I loooove Death does Bridges of Madison County though.

[buymeaclue.livejournal.com]

I am mostly neutral re: Pratchett, but I _love_ Death of Rats. Squeeeeeeeeeak!

[oyceter]

SQUEAK! I so want a little Death of Rats statue or something!