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A review by disqmonde
Snuff by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Snuff sets out with the noble goal of addressing slavery and the exploitation of workers in a globalized trade system, but falls flat. The writing style and characters retain their charm from earlier in the series, but the satirical aspect is heavy-handed and one running joke veers into anti-Asian racism. The themes of the Watch series are also bent to make way for the story.
Still, Snuff isn't a total loss. The setting sets up several pointed jokes about the genteel English countryside and the atrocities it is built on, and the action scenes in the second half of the book are a fun ride. There is some commentary about the responsibilities of bystanders and wilful ignorance that stays relevant, but ultimately Snuff doesn't have the insight that makes Discworld stand out. Its main merit is that it provides context for Raising Steam; casual readers are advised to skip.
Still, Snuff isn't a total loss. The setting sets up several pointed jokes about the genteel English countryside and the atrocities it is built on, and the action scenes in the second half of the book are a fun ride. There is some commentary about the responsibilities of bystanders and wilful ignorance that stays relevant, but ultimately Snuff doesn't have the insight that makes Discworld stand out. Its main merit is that it provides context for Raising Steam; casual readers are advised to skip.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Trafficking, and Violence