A whole different terms of reference

[threemonkeys]

I don't think I am alone in thinking that Monstrous Regiment was pretty close to, if not actually, Terry Pratchett's worst book. It really made me wonder if maybe he had run out of steam. Not that it would dent it sales much. He is enormously popular. Especially so here in Aotearoa - according to my sources, Pterry sells more books here per head of population than anywhere else in the world.

Going Postal came out in paperback a few days ago*, so I decided it was time to see if the man was back on his game. And the answer has to be a pretty emphatic "yes". It is the most enjoyable Discworld novel I have read for quite some time. Being in Ankh-Morepork is always a good start, but the setting is enhanced by a very well drawn, strong and interesting main character. The usual case of side characters is about average, as is the theme of this particular novel - the postal service.

Two things stand out which make it so much better than usual. First, the plot is better constructed than usual. Some people may even be surprised that it has a plot, but there it is. Second, it is funny - it has real, laugh out loud jokes in it. That seems a strange thing to comment on, but laughs have been a bit scarce in recent novels - Terry having concentrated mainly on the more wry humour side of his skills.

On the minus side, Going Postal does seem to have a more overt social/political message than is usual - again Terry previously going for the more subtle. Maybe the message has got through to not overestimate the audience - don't be too clever. I may have overstated that - the subtlety is also there - both are needed.

Run out of steam? - nah!

* For some reason, Pratchett's most recent hardback and the previous novel's paperback edition are released at the same time. True Pratchett fans are no doubt writing their reviews of Thud about now.

Comments

[mashugenah.livejournal.com]

First, the plot is better constructed than usual.

So, it's the first novel since The Night Watch to have a plot of any sort? :)

That seems a strange thing to comment on, but laughs have been a bit scarce in recent novels - Terry having concentrated mainly on the more wry humour side of his skills.

Interesting. I've always gotten the impression that I should be laughing. There seemed to be too many of them, with too pointed an end to not be laugh-out-loud. Wry humour seems to work best in smaller doses.

On the minus side, Going Postal does seem to have a more overt social/political message than is usual

Again, my experience has been the opposite. I've always found him to be too blatantly explicitly for or against something in his humour. Subtle is probably not a word that would have occured to me. :)

I am glad to hear it's an improvement, I've been on the verge of just completely giving up, but shall in due course give this one a try.

See, people read your posts. :)

[capnoblivious.livejournal.com]

I actually rather enjoyed "Monstrous Regiment." It was darker than his normal stuff, but the plot and structure worked for me.

I think he labored the central joke far beyond what it was worth, though.

[i-ate-my-crusts.livejournal.com]

I'm with you, I thought Monstrous Regiment was a very weak book. Going Postal didn't feel entirely Pratchett to me, but that was actually not a bad thing. I have a review in my memories, if you're interested.

I think The Truth and Going Postal have been the ones that I've enjoyed, of recent works. But I got a lot more out of his YA, than anything except Going Postal.