Scan barcode
enim's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Terry Pratchett is my favourite author. I started reading his books in middle school, fell in love with Discworld, and continued reading them since (the ones that managed to be published in my country). I recently found this one in a bookstore, realised I hadn't read it yet and was incredibly happy to buy it and devour it.
Which means I'm incredibly sorry to have to say: I couldn't enjoy this book. Loved the humor, as always, and I really liked seeing old characters again, but at the same time it was... pretty racist. I would have never expected this from one of his books (I am now starting to wonder if I missed racist stuff in his previous books, but from what I remember I never found this type of issue in his writing, the opposite actually), but there are heavily racist cliches all around, so anything related to the nondescriptive asian continent where Ricewind travels to just feels horrible, same with Ricewind's interactions with the natives. The parts with the other characters from the main continent were fine, and again for the most part the humor is still there, but the book definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Which means I'm incredibly sorry to have to say: I couldn't enjoy this book. Loved the humor, as always, and I really liked seeing old characters again, but at the same time it was... pretty racist. I would have never expected this from one of his books (I am now starting to wonder if I missed racist stuff in his previous books, but from what I remember I never found this type of issue in his writing, the opposite actually), but there are heavily racist cliches all around, so anything related to the nondescriptive asian continent where Ricewind travels to just feels horrible, same with Ricewind's interactions with the natives. The parts with the other characters from the main continent were fine, and again for the most part the humor is still there, but the book definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
samants's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I know, I know. This rating is heretical, etc. But I don't think Pratchett handles discussions of Asian culture well, even if it is meant to be a spoof/satire/whatever. I just felt a little icky for most of the book. The jokes felt pretty offensive and out of date, and I know it's 20 years old, but it aged badly. (Side note: I also felt kind of icky about some of the jokes in Good Omens. I hope Pratchett reformed his views of Asian culture over time, and learned not to conflate China and Japan quite so much :/ )
I did like Lord Hong's strategy and the Horde. Otherwise, this book fell flat to me.
I did like Lord Hong's strategy and the Horde. Otherwise, this book fell flat to me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Rape
lyloster's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
The book is funny and enjoyable at times. However, anti-Asian rhetoric is sprinkled all over the place. It feels like the author went for the low hanging fruit with this book, he's playing on so many stereotypes and missing the mark. There are better Discworld and Rincewind book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
accidentalspaceexplorer's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
After finishing this, my middle of the book judgment stands. This is definitely a low point for Pratchett - I think that he tried to criticize racism and sexism, but seriously missed the mark. It's my opinion that he tried to criticize these things by including them and attempting to depict that they were outdated ideas, but by including them at all, he lends them a weight that he doesn't manage to throw off. Plus, I as the reader still have to read the descriptions of rape jokes and racism, which made me very uncomfortable. Overall, I think you can skip this one completely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Rape
More...