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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
It took a while for the book to get started (and for me to figure out what was going on), but it's Douglas Adams, so it kept me entertained while it kept me guessing. By the end, I really enjoyed it!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
For the first ninety percent of the plot, Adams shines in a uproariously funny, eloquently dictated, and smartly constructed genre-bending novel full of dynamic characters, witty dialogue, and engaging mystery. Although it takes a while for the titular Gently to make an appearance, the buildup and payoff for his character and the subsequent detecting that unfolds is well worth the wait. As readers follow along with the strange detective and the exasperated Richard, there is also payoff in seeing the book's various strange elements come together in a very, well, holistic fashion. For the last ten percent, while it is about as enjoyable as the first portion, Adams crams in perhaps a bit too much, what with time travel and alien colonization threatening humanity all being introduced in the conclusion. This does little, however, to deter from the fact that Adams has crafted a masterful story here.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A fun, comfy read. The ending was a little weak and confusing but didn't retroactively ruin the book before it. Very standard British comedic tone, so if that's what you're in the mood for it will scratch that itch! Unfortunately, i can't recommend it on any other level. An easy read, but I won't be mulling over any of it now I've finished it. Also, one of the least diverse books I have read in a long time.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Transphobia
This was a weird one. I had actually seen the tv show first, not realizing it was a book. When I saw it was a book by Douglas Adams I thought it made a lot of sense. But the tv show is weird in different ways than the book? It was a good time! Just strange.
I'm giving this book five stars even though it isn't a five star book really because of its weirdness and ending.
But because I enjoyed myself so much while reading it. I laughed out loud. I wanted to know how it ended but didn't want it to end. I really enjoy Douglas Adams writing.
I'm so sad that I only have one book of his yet to read for the first time.
But because I enjoyed myself so much while reading it. I laughed out loud. I wanted to know how it ended but didn't want it to end. I really enjoy Douglas Adams writing.
I'm so sad that I only have one book of his yet to read for the first time.
Delightful. It's been ages since I read Douglas Adams and since I really enjoyed the Netflix show and was in bad need of something light-hearted, it was the perfect time for this novel. I genuinely liked the characters - even the minor ones, like the horse - and the whacky plot and the way the prose oscillates effortlessly between hilarious and beautiful.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked rereading this book. It was still super confusing but funny!
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No