13 years ago
Thu Jul 01 2010, 12:38pm
Let the discussion-ing begin!
Here's what I said when I announced it:
It's actually the fourth Discworld book that was written, but all the Obernetters I spoke to today agree with me that it's a good place to start. It's the first Death book (Discworld is a series of more than 30 books all set in one world, the Discworld, but they're not all related. There are mini-series that run through them, like the Death books, and there are some stand alone books. Even the books in the series don't really follow on, they just have some of the same characters, but each story stands alone)
It's relatively short, so if you're only seeing this note now you definitely have time to go borrow it and read it before the month is out, and even if you don't finish it the thread will of course stay open in the OBC board!
Loved it! Aside from Going Postal, it is probabaly one of my favourites in the series thus far. It was also the first one I read. :) I only read it last year and I was astounded because I could not fathom why I had not picked up a Terry Pratchett book before then.
Wanderer Ward
13 years ago
Wanderer Ward
Dreamscape Artist
I've been reading the Discworld series in order (I've only read six or seven of them though), and Mort has definately been my favourite so far. I love Death's personality.
13 years ago
Wed Jul 14 2010, 10:08am
So, I finished rereading this yesterday - loved it all over again! I actually haven't read it in a few years, I don't tend to reread the early Discworld books as much as I do say, Night Watch. Well, I haven't reread that in ages either!
I love Death. I love THE VOICE too.
I love it when Death is trying to be human, like when he's trying to get drunk and when he's a cook. The description of all the drinks he's drinking to get drunk are hilarious too!
Albert is an interesting character, he's never quite what you expect. I mean, he cooks all day for Death, and you kind of think he's going be gruff but actually quite nice, and he isn't. He's just gruff! Love how the wizards think he's the statue come to life and decide to lock it up in future!
Anyway, must catch a bus...
Hm, I will attempt to read this - I received it in the mail yesterday. Is it too late? I will try my best, but it might be a little hard since I'm back to work and being stupidly busy. :(
It's never too late to join in with OBC! :) You can always keep talking even after the month is over, the thread will just be in the OBC board.
Also, always happy for the 'I'm up to page 7' thoughts :P
I'm now up to page 54 - it's a very interesting and unique idea to be sure. I like that the main character Mort isn't all quite 'there', a rather bumbling person. It is interesting that Death has an adopted daughter.
Discworld - it reminds me of this series I used to watch on ABC as a kid... were Pratchett's books made into a series?
Yes, Wyrd Sisters and Soul Music were both turned into animated series that were shown on the ABC when we were kids ;) They've since made live-action telemovies of Hogfather and Going Postal, too. If you saw Soul Music, it features Death's granddaughter, Susan.
Unfortunately, it's almost time for the next book for the book club and I'm still only half way through the book. I thought I should at least contribute a little to this, before the month is over.
I'm not getting into it that much though, I must admit. I feel as though, even though I've read half way through the book, not a lot has happened... and I feel as though it will continue where nothing really exciting happens later on... I may be incorrect? Well, I will finish the book and find out I guess, and perhaps dig this thread up again and let you know my concluding views on the novel.
I do find it interesting how Death attempts to behave human, going so far as to make his world 'human'like and even adopting a daughter. I feel so sorry for her, since she has been the same age for so long. It is interesting also to see how the Pratchett deals with Mort's error in letting the Princess continue living. It's an excellent idea, and love it that she has to employ a Royal Recogniser!
Well, it's not a Matthew Reilly action novel, no. :P But things do happen!
I really loved this one. I now understand why one of my friends raves about Terry Pratchett so much! I loved the pure insanity of Discworld - I actually liked the lack of happenings and the slow momentum, because that's when all the descriptions are at their weirdest! I love Pratchett's turn of phrase, like the way he appears to be following something proverbial, or about to say something deep and terribly insightful - and then doesn't, choosing instead to turn it all on it's head.
And I agree that Death, in all his attempts at humanity, is absolutely hilarious! He's definitely my favourite character, because he somehow gives the impression of getting into more mischief than Mort, even though Mort goes in for the larger scale.
Speaking of Mort, I do adore the way he just keeps saying 'Mort' every time someone calls him 'boy' or fails to use his name, and the way everyone always looks mildly confused or ignores him. It's like a parallel to Keli's existence, and the way it stubbornly confuses everyone. (Oh wow, I just went all Literature-class then).
Love very much Pratchett's decision to to pair up Mort with Ysabell, rather then Keli, in the end. And I lo0o0o0ove Mort's practical way of saying so, and his & Ysabell's (earlier) discussion of how much they are not falling in love!
