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erebus53's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Here's me finally catching up on ancient reading goals from decades past. Set in the Discworld this is a story of the Watch, which is a mystery of who managed to poison the Patrician. It also deals, metaphorically, with discussions of slavery, A.I., racial prejudice, social class, and gender identification.
o.o ... which is not bad for 1996.
This is a story driven by fear. In a city where the worst jobs are done by ceramic golems (ok.. basically magic robots, yoinked straight from Jewish mythology). What happens when you find out that they might be conscious and sentient? Is it a wise idea to give them autonomy when they are much more physically strong than humans, and have suffered centuries of oppression and violence at their hands?
When you have a cast of many you can afford to have characters who are biggoted and upset by change, alongside those who are progressively minded and want to try and right systemic injustices. I think this book is different from many that I have read in that a likeable character is a driving force for Justice and equity, but still holds onto unchallenged toxic ideals and values that cause problems for others. This also provides some scope for character growth and for conflict to be resolved.
This story has one of the weirdest Trans- allegories I have ever encountered, with a character with dysphoria trying to transition in the workplace, with those around them being various forms of helpful, perplexed, affronted and violently offended.
Identity groups are not monolithic, and being a member of a minority group does not stop a person from having their own prejudices. And Pratchett just has a specific form of wit which helps to make the thinking slide in easier, should one choose to engage brain.
o.o ... which is not bad for 1996.
This is a story driven by fear. In a city where the worst jobs are done by ceramic golems (ok.. basically magic robots, yoinked straight from Jewish mythology). What happens when you find out that they might be conscious and sentient? Is it a wise idea to give them autonomy when they are much more physically strong than humans, and have suffered centuries of oppression and violence at their hands?
When you have a cast of many you can afford to have characters who are biggoted and upset by change, alongside those who are progressively minded and want to try and right systemic injustices. I think this book is different from many that I have read in that a likeable character is a driving force for Justice and equity, but still holds onto unchallenged toxic ideals and values that cause problems for others. This also provides some scope for character growth and for conflict to be resolved.
This story has one of the weirdest Trans- allegories I have ever encountered, with a character with dysphoria trying to transition in the workplace, with those around them being various forms of helpful, perplexed, affronted and violently offended.
Identity groups are not monolithic, and being a member of a minority group does not stop a person from having their own prejudices. And Pratchett just has a specific form of wit which helps to make the thinking slide in easier, should one choose to engage brain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, Excrement, Alcoholism, Sexism, Transphobia, Slavery, and Murder
Minor: Vomit and Racial slurs
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