A review by chicafrom3
Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Eleventh in the Discworld series, second in the Death sub-series. The Auditors of the Universe decide Discworld's Death has been developing too much personality, forcing him into retirement; the resulting buildup of life during the transitional period has consequences for the residents of Ankh-Morpork. A rather odd book, it feels like two (maybe three) shoved together somewhat awkwardly. Death's storyline as Bill Door, exploring humanity, his own identity, and what death (and life) really mean is beautifully done. What can the harvest hope for, if not for the care of the reaper man? Windle Poons' thematically similar discovery of what life is, found only after dying, and the different things community can be, embodied by the Fresh Start Club (we met Reg Shoe for the first time here!), is also very well done and provides a lot of wonderful moments. The parasitical shopping mall never quite comes together for me and the university wizards aren't at their best here - although the Dean has clearly found his true calling, something that will come back in later books.

Uneven, but worth reading; the highs are very high.