Unlike, say, the Friday 13th series, where one could feasibly start in the middle and go any way they liked, I presumed that with these kindsa dense fictional universe affairs, a man needed to have his bearings, is what.
Turns out, though, that the first one I ever get a chance to read is his latest, a number by the name of Going Postal. What I can relate first and foremost, is that it's brilliant. It's incredibly funny, bringing to mind all sorts of surrealistic leg-pullers from Terry Gilliam to those Snake Men he used to hang around with back in the day.
You know the ones. "I want a parrot" or something was the joke.
What Going Postal concerns itself with, is a fella is granted a last-minute reprieve from the gallows. Rather than being free for to whore himself left and right like some exotic Hilton of some kind, though, he finds out that what he needs to do is to start working for the city's postal department.
If you thought he could just run away and whore himself left and right like some exotic Hilton of some kind, you can think again, since they've assigned a Golem to watch after him. This, of course, is a Golem in the classic sense, being a big stone motherfucker, rather than a scowling little green fella obsessed with your sister's necklaces.
The Postal Service in the city, though, is in something of a rut. Letters fill every available room in the main building, some of them forty or fifty years old, and normal folks have become disenchanted with it all, moving on to a more hi-tech alternative.
You may notice some parallels with our own culture.
That's right, we have buildings too.
Our hero is placed in charge of it all, and attempts to sort it out in some way, whilst the influences of some shady scenesters become ever more apparent.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
For a non-follower of pterrry, as he is known on Usenet, you've done a great job with this review, Duke. Most of the characters are indeed from previous tales of the vast alti-verse that is Discworld. The most sorely missed character in this one is Death who SPEAKS LIKE THIS, and has a view on life, well, all his own.
Lord Vetinari is a real master at manipulation, as you've doubtless seen from "Going Postal" - I compared him to someone real in an earlier post.
Pterry is going to continue writing till they nail him in his coffin, and perhaps after that too - enjoy the reading - you've got about 25 other books to go.
2 - The Theory
I love Pratchett... I've read a handful of the Discworld novels, which I don't think need to be read in order, as there isn't any continuing storyline, nor a solid re-occuring character who takes the hero role in each book. My favorite thing he's done has to be "Good Omens", which he co-wrote with Neal Giaman. One of the best books ever.
3 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Thanks folks!
Aaman, i've heard about the death character, and one time went so far as to lift Deat Takes A Holiday (i think that's what it was called) from the shelves with the intent of purchase. In the end i think i bought something obscenely violent by Clive Barker.
Theory, i'll check out Good Omens. It does me good to know there's no particular narrative continuity going on.
Incidentally, do either of you know if the animated thingys are any good?
Cheers
4 - Forough Farshad
Dear Mr.Pratchett
I have read your book(A Hat full of Sky)and there are some words and expressions I can't get through.I couldn't find other ways to contact you since I live in Iran.Is it possible I ask you the questions through email?It will be very nice of you to answer my mail.Your answer is very important for me.
Thank you
Forough
5 - Aaman
Try [edited -- no emails please, even when being helpful 8-)] - but don't spam
6 - Victor Plenty
Asking people "please don't spam" is a bit futile in a forum that is itself frequently targeted by spambots.
7 - MKK
Pratchett definitely on teh up again (I was doubtful after 'A Hat Full Of Sky') - I daresay this may even be [one of] his best yet.