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manatad 's review for:
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
After reading the Greek translation of Varjak Paw, I felt inspired to read another book featuring a cat as the protagonist. My search for such books lead me to The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. It was also my first Terry Pratchett novel, so I didn't know what to expect. I realized that I seldom read silly, lighthearted books like this one.
My first impression at least was that it would be a silly, goofy story, and it is. Some of the jokes are very childish, but it is mostly full of the kind of sarcasm I associate with British humor. Beneath all the silliness though, there is definitely a message meant to be imparted to young readers about the importance of cooperation and open-mindedness. It was a little difficult for me to enjoy the book at first because I hate rats, but the rats turn out to be the best part of the story. I think that's kind of the point. I have to admit that I was actually moved by the rats' narrative and all the new philosophical and ethical quandries they found themselves in after becoming intelligent.
The edition I read also contained a transcript of an interview with Pratchett regarding his experience writing this book, and it was interesting to look at. I learned that Pratchett primarily wrote books for adult readers, and The Amazing Maurice is one of the only children's books he ever wrote. I thought it was great; it definitely surprised me and surpassed my expectations, and that makes me curious to read more of his work eventually.
The Amazing Maurice might be too silly for most adult readers. It is also very British, if I may say such a thing without sounding derisive. I only mention it again because it may make it harder for American children to relate to. I don't know. I can't think of anyone in my personal life who I would earnestly recommend this book to. I enjoyed it a lot, but I seem to be in sort of a phase right now where I'm very interested in children's literature. It was a lot of fun, anyway, and unexpectedly thoughtful.
My first impression at least was that it would be a silly, goofy story, and it is. Some of the jokes are very childish, but it is mostly full of the kind of sarcasm I associate with British humor. Beneath all the silliness though, there is definitely a message meant to be imparted to young readers about the importance of cooperation and open-mindedness. It was a little difficult for me to enjoy the book at first because I hate rats, but the rats turn out to be the best part of the story. I think that's kind of the point. I have to admit that I was actually moved by the rats' narrative and all the new philosophical and ethical quandries they found themselves in after becoming intelligent.
The edition I read also contained a transcript of an interview with Pratchett regarding his experience writing this book, and it was interesting to look at. I learned that Pratchett primarily wrote books for adult readers, and The Amazing Maurice is one of the only children's books he ever wrote. I thought it was great; it definitely surprised me and surpassed my expectations, and that makes me curious to read more of his work eventually.
The Amazing Maurice might be too silly for most adult readers. It is also very British, if I may say such a thing without sounding derisive. I only mention it again because it may make it harder for American children to relate to. I don't know. I can't think of anyone in my personal life who I would earnestly recommend this book to. I enjoyed it a lot, but I seem to be in sort of a phase right now where I'm very interested in children's literature. It was a lot of fun, anyway, and unexpectedly thoughtful.