Pratchett, Terry - Reaper Man
Sat, Oct. 6th, 2007 12:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
oyceterThe 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.
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.
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Tue, Oct. 9th, 2007 01:43 am (UTC)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!
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Tue, Oct. 9th, 2007 09:00 pm (UTC)I really need to find Art of Discworld now. Also, yay Death of Rats in Hogfather!