Reviews

I enjoyed it before bed, although this meant it went by pretty slowly. I think this book requires a bit faster reading than I gave it, because otherwise things go over your head. It has the quintessential Pratchett wit. Was enjoyable, although I sort of don't feel like satisfied with the end, it doesn't feel finished.

luckylikesreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

lissaze's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny medium-paced

5.0

ronanmcd's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Actually kind of surprised by this. I had wanted to read a Terry Pratchett for a while and when I started this I found it hard going; no chapters, the narrative jumps from one character to the next frequently, it's flighty humorous writing that I found difficult to keep focused on.
But then I still enjoyed it, and eventually sank into the rhythm. There were two sections that particularly caught my attention - the evil duke and duchess harness the arts for propaganda, and argue ecological destruction is a grown-up means of making a world productive. This was 1988 and the same arguments we hear today were around then.

There follows a second part where the artists weigh up being paid and using their art as an exploted tool. They argue whether the increase in financial means would be a benefit or unnecessary.

There are some great ideas and conversations in here. If you can focus!

More...