Prachett, as others have noted, does an amazing job of balancing silliness, fantasy, and profound truth in a way that leaves you lightly entertained but, IMO, often contains the same depth as some of mankind's greatest myths. The Death series, Carpe Jugulum, and Thud, among others, stand out in that respect.
As the title of the thread indicates, I recently found my way through Small Gods. While Vorbis was such a loathsome character that I almost put the book away for not being able to take it, the whole of the story has settled into me in that "I can feel this but I can't explain it" sort of way that is the mark of a truly powerful story. Whether real or fictional, I consider these stories to be "true".
So... I'm interested in what those of you who have also read it think.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Small Gods is the book that will be remembered as Pratchett's masterpiece.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I'm inclined to agree, Tom... and considering how much I got from the books I mentioned above, that's saying something for me.
From other mentions of Omnianism, I expected Brutha to be a Jesus or maybe even Muhammed figure, but it seems very clear to me that he is Thomas Aquinas. Wiki makes this sound like a stretch, but it seems obvious and very intentional to me.
But I'm not even sure exactly what Prachett is exploring here, much less what he means to say. The ending, in particular, was incredibly moving, while simultaneously showing how truly disturbing the concept of "infinite mercy" really is. Has justice been served? does it even matter? Death says elsewhere, "there is no justice, only me." He's not exactly right, it seems. There's Death, and what humans make of it/him.
Also, Gaiman is the more vocal about praising Chesterton. I've never seen a word from Pratchett about him. Speaking as a GKC fan, though, it seems his fingerprints are *all* over this book. Has Prachett ever mentioned his influence at all, or especially in conjunction with Small Gods?
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Agreed, Tom. I'd say it and the Tiffany Aching novels are what vault Pratchett to a level beyond "this guy who writes humorous fantasy."
I also think that Night Watch is a masterpiece -- especially, when considered in light of all the books that build up to it.
But it may have had a greater impact on me because I mad a point of folowing the Discworld order reading guide to read all the books that feed in to Night Watch.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I am quite smitten with both Ms. Aching and Ms. Weatherwax. Sam Vimes is who I wish I was like. So yeah, count me on board with the Watch and the Witches as well. Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
Night Watch is my favourite, with Thud! and Small Gods tailing by just a bit. I think I like Night Watch better because of all the story leading up to it.
I just finished Wintersmith, and knowing that Terry is dealing with Alzheimer's made Tiffany's thoughts on memory all the more poignant.
He's an top-notch example of how fantasy books can be as deep, character-developed, and moving as "realistic" literature. He holds up a mirror of dwarves and witches and gods and we see ourselves in it.
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