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Discworld #19
Piedi d'argilla
Chi è l'assassino che si aggira per Ankh-Morpork? Di lui si sa solo che lascia dietro di sè delle curiose tracce di argilla bianca. Il comandante delle Guardie è determinato a fermarlo, ma lui e i suoi uomini (e i suoi troll, e compagnia bella) non riescono a cavare un ragno dal buco. Persino quando una delle vittime viene uccisa con una pagnotta. Persino quando l'indagine porta a un golem in pensione, a un drago vampiro e a un lupo mannaro vegetariano...
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
2135 people are currently reading
23799 people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
679 books46k followersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983–2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,097 reviews
October 22, 2015
In my opinion, this is the book where Pratchett *really* hits his stride in terms of the city watch books. The characters are established, the setting is solid, and Pratchett is solidly in control of his craft here.
As I said before (or at least meant to say) the second book about the city watch was twice as good as the first. Similarly, this book is twice as good as the second one. Putting it solidly in the familiar A+ quality book that comprises easily half of Pratchett's work.
Of personal interest to me is the introduction of the Golem into the Discworld. In previous books, Pratchett has talked about issues of discrimination, but the Golems allow him to broaden the subject into a much larger discussion along the lines of "What makes a person a person?" and perhaps more importantly "What sort of person should a person be?"
It's also interesting to note the appearance of Buggy Squires who is called a Gnome. But for those who have read the entire series, he's obviously a precursor to the Nac Mac Feagles that eventually appear in the Tiffany aching books.
As an author, it's cool for me to see how that concept peeked its head up in Pratchett's work almost 10 years before it became fully realized in a much later book....
Is this book worth your time? Yes. A thousand times yes.
As I said before (or at least meant to say) the second book about the city watch was twice as good as the first. Similarly, this book is twice as good as the second one. Putting it solidly in the familiar A+ quality book that comprises easily half of Pratchett's work.
Of personal interest to me is the introduction of the Golem into the Discworld. In previous books, Pratchett has talked about issues of discrimination, but the Golems allow him to broaden the subject into a much larger discussion along the lines of "What makes a person a person?" and perhaps more importantly "What sort of person should a person be?"
It's also interesting to note the appearance of Buggy Squires who is called a Gnome. But for those who have read the entire series, he's obviously a precursor to the Nac Mac Feagles that eventually appear in the Tiffany aching books.
As an author, it's cool for me to see how that concept peeked its head up in Pratchett's work almost 10 years before it became fully realized in a much later book....
Is this book worth your time? Yes. A thousand times yes.
September 27, 2020
Golem slavery surrounding a conspiracy investigated by special City Watch forensic experts while a silent revolution takes place.
Golems, Hephaistos´ machines, and similar mythological stuff are examples of ancient storytellers dealing with the always current „They are stealing our jobs“ problem. Depending on genre preference, it can be seen as a fantastic ability to give life to dead objects, an alien ability to give technology to primitive humans, or be welcomed as the option that humans already had sophisticated technology, but ruined everything. But to stay on Earth, one may prefer the boring option that human creativity thought up much of the nano, robot, and technical revolution before there even was a smallest piece of modern technology available to degenerate with.
Indirect, subtle slavery, cemented with the argument that the victims are too primitive to understand their mistreatment and exploitation, is nothing classical, not dark fantasy uses to deal with in detail. Especially is having pretty profound, although partly illogical arguments, that could be seen as innuendos to both faiths and colonial history. The legitimation of good violence plays in here too, because it strongly depends on the own ideology and subjective value system if someone sees a group as freedom fighters or evil rebels that should be crushed with anyone the fair, great state, and its military can offer.
A simple reason why such controversial topics, Pratchett dares to and excels at dealing with, are rarely seen in fiction is that it needs both expertise and talent to perform it in a way that is not half baked satire, provoking, discriminating, making bad puns about horrible things, or, worst and inherent funny case, propaganda for something the writer wants to have criticized.
I am not sure if this is 100 percent correct, but as far as I know, Pratchett began dealing with the really heavy stuff when he already was a category mega writer who could handle plot, character, and the integration of the sophisticated, cynical meta level to reflect on human stupidity.
Once again I haven´t read enough crime, thriller, and detective novels to get all Pratchett offers the reader, I just can´t get warm with the genre, so many characters, so less worldbuilding, if there would at least always be extreme violence, gore, and madness, but often it´s even about personal relationships and just character´s motivations and the psychological investigation, no thanks, not my cup of beer. But at least I get more out of it than out of his satires of classical literature and that´s at least something.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
Golems, Hephaistos´ machines, and similar mythological stuff are examples of ancient storytellers dealing with the always current „They are stealing our jobs“ problem. Depending on genre preference, it can be seen as a fantastic ability to give life to dead objects, an alien ability to give technology to primitive humans, or be welcomed as the option that humans already had sophisticated technology, but ruined everything. But to stay on Earth, one may prefer the boring option that human creativity thought up much of the nano, robot, and technical revolution before there even was a smallest piece of modern technology available to degenerate with.
Indirect, subtle slavery, cemented with the argument that the victims are too primitive to understand their mistreatment and exploitation, is nothing classical, not dark fantasy uses to deal with in detail. Especially is having pretty profound, although partly illogical arguments, that could be seen as innuendos to both faiths and colonial history. The legitimation of good violence plays in here too, because it strongly depends on the own ideology and subjective value system if someone sees a group as freedom fighters or evil rebels that should be crushed with anyone the fair, great state, and its military can offer.
A simple reason why such controversial topics, Pratchett dares to and excels at dealing with, are rarely seen in fiction is that it needs both expertise and talent to perform it in a way that is not half baked satire, provoking, discriminating, making bad puns about horrible things, or, worst and inherent funny case, propaganda for something the writer wants to have criticized.
I am not sure if this is 100 percent correct, but as far as I know, Pratchett began dealing with the really heavy stuff when he already was a category mega writer who could handle plot, character, and the integration of the sophisticated, cynical meta level to reflect on human stupidity.
Once again I haven´t read enough crime, thriller, and detective novels to get all Pratchett offers the reader, I just can´t get warm with the genre, so many characters, so less worldbuilding, if there would at least always be extreme violence, gore, and madness, but often it´s even about personal relationships and just character´s motivations and the psychological investigation, no thanks, not my cup of beer. But at least I get more out of it than out of his satires of classical literature and that´s at least something.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
December 18, 2024
This may be the funniest Discworld novel.
And definitely one of the best.
Terry Pratchett, ever the clever turn of phrase artist, is here in rare form. This is literally chock full of puns, clichés, similes, metaphors and enough droll word play to make Nabokov choke a chicken. His easy, almost swaggering virtuosity makes this a fun read; I was literally reading the story, but waiting for and expecting his next verbal tickle.
It is as though when he got to this one, his 19th Discworld novel first published in 1996, he had hit his stride and was making it look easy.
Captain Carrot, Sir Samuel and the members of the City Watch are investigating a murder mystery, Lord Vetinari gets mysteriously attacked, there is a strange Golem uprising and Nobby Nobbs is getting some very unexpected attention.
And Foul Old Ron takes a bath.
Just kidding.
Besides the gigglingly good word play and the Ankh-Morpork action, Sir Terry explores themes of monarchy, leadership, gender roles and what it means to be alive.
If you’ve been thinking about getting started reading the Discworld (yes, you should) this would not be a bad start.
*** 2021 reread –
My return visit to the Discworld continues with this, his 19th novel set in his fantastic world building, his 3rd featuring the hilarious City Watch and being first published in 1996.
Leadership is a central theme, but also people’s need / want of leadership. Do we want to be governed, or do people in charge have a knack for making it seem that way? And who should be the leader? One born into the role as a hereditary monarch or one made for the role? Would the hereditary monarch be qualified for the job or would one who arrives at the position from behind the scenes machinations be a better fit?
All good questions that Sir Terry fields with his usual aplomb. He explores how Lord Vetinari, though not well liked, is grudgingly respected as things seem to run fairly smoothly under his guidance. We also find out about Sir Samuel’s ancestor Stoneface was the watchman who, ages ago, took matters into his own hands when needed.
All this and lots of golems. On the Discworld, a golem is a construct who is made to toil and knows no other existence. But do golems live? Do they think and dream?
Another great Discworld gem, a must read for fans and a good place to start if you have not read any others.
*** 2024 reread -
A very good mystery.
Anyone familiar with Terry Pratchett's writing will know he's funny and a satirical genius on the level of Kurt Vonnegut, but he shows us here that he can write one hell of a mystery novel with plenty of action thrown in.
This was also a demonstration of his ability to play word games. I've noticed before the similarities between Pratchett's writing and Piers Anthony's Xanth novels and in Feet of Clay, Sir Terry ratcheted up his droll word play to Nabokovian levels.
We also see a fascinating allegory for the golems, who operate from the written instructions in their heads, with how we get by using rules, laws and codes to decide how we should act. Pratchett serves up some devilishly fun satire, but so playful and subtle, many readers may not get it. I did not fully grasp what he had accomplished until this read.
Highly, highly recommended.
And definitely one of the best.
Terry Pratchett, ever the clever turn of phrase artist, is here in rare form. This is literally chock full of puns, clichés, similes, metaphors and enough droll word play to make Nabokov choke a chicken. His easy, almost swaggering virtuosity makes this a fun read; I was literally reading the story, but waiting for and expecting his next verbal tickle.
It is as though when he got to this one, his 19th Discworld novel first published in 1996, he had hit his stride and was making it look easy.
Captain Carrot, Sir Samuel and the members of the City Watch are investigating a murder mystery, Lord Vetinari gets mysteriously attacked, there is a strange Golem uprising and Nobby Nobbs is getting some very unexpected attention.
And Foul Old Ron takes a bath.
Just kidding.
Besides the gigglingly good word play and the Ankh-Morpork action, Sir Terry explores themes of monarchy, leadership, gender roles and what it means to be alive.
If you’ve been thinking about getting started reading the Discworld (yes, you should) this would not be a bad start.
*** 2021 reread –
My return visit to the Discworld continues with this, his 19th novel set in his fantastic world building, his 3rd featuring the hilarious City Watch and being first published in 1996.
Leadership is a central theme, but also people’s need / want of leadership. Do we want to be governed, or do people in charge have a knack for making it seem that way? And who should be the leader? One born into the role as a hereditary monarch or one made for the role? Would the hereditary monarch be qualified for the job or would one who arrives at the position from behind the scenes machinations be a better fit?
All good questions that Sir Terry fields with his usual aplomb. He explores how Lord Vetinari, though not well liked, is grudgingly respected as things seem to run fairly smoothly under his guidance. We also find out about Sir Samuel’s ancestor Stoneface was the watchman who, ages ago, took matters into his own hands when needed.
All this and lots of golems. On the Discworld, a golem is a construct who is made to toil and knows no other existence. But do golems live? Do they think and dream?
Another great Discworld gem, a must read for fans and a good place to start if you have not read any others.
*** 2024 reread -
A very good mystery.
Anyone familiar with Terry Pratchett's writing will know he's funny and a satirical genius on the level of Kurt Vonnegut, but he shows us here that he can write one hell of a mystery novel with plenty of action thrown in.
This was also a demonstration of his ability to play word games. I've noticed before the similarities between Pratchett's writing and Piers Anthony's Xanth novels and in Feet of Clay, Sir Terry ratcheted up his droll word play to Nabokovian levels.
We also see a fascinating allegory for the golems, who operate from the written instructions in their heads, with how we get by using rules, laws and codes to decide how we should act. Pratchett serves up some devilishly fun satire, but so playful and subtle, many readers may not get it. I did not fully grasp what he had accomplished until this read.
Highly, highly recommended.
May 12, 2022
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
One of the best Pratchett books, and possibly the funniest book ever written.
It took Terry Pratchett a decent number of books to really hit his stride, and while he certainly hit it before this book - this book feels like peak Pratchett when it comes to humor. This book feels like you are reading the literary version of a Naked Gun movie, not because the humor is the same, but because of the sheer volume of comedy that is given to the reader on quite literally every page. You can't help but laugh constantly, and when you are not laughing you have a constant smile on your face.
But it's not just the humor that makes this book absolutely wonderful, it's that Pratchett somehow gives you a healthy dose of philosophical musings that balance out the humor oh so perfectly. It's almost as if Pratchett needs his own genre, because he's the only author that I am aware of that is somehow able to achieve this balance.
The story here is nothing to write home about, but it almost never is in a Discworld book. It's really just a murder mystery, but the plot serves as a vehicle for the other things that make this book amazing.
Everyone needs to read the "City Watch" books, starting with Guards! Guards! You won't regret it.
One of the best Pratchett books, and possibly the funniest book ever written.
It took Terry Pratchett a decent number of books to really hit his stride, and while he certainly hit it before this book - this book feels like peak Pratchett when it comes to humor. This book feels like you are reading the literary version of a Naked Gun movie, not because the humor is the same, but because of the sheer volume of comedy that is given to the reader on quite literally every page. You can't help but laugh constantly, and when you are not laughing you have a constant smile on your face.
But it's not just the humor that makes this book absolutely wonderful, it's that Pratchett somehow gives you a healthy dose of philosophical musings that balance out the humor oh so perfectly. It's almost as if Pratchett needs his own genre, because he's the only author that I am aware of that is somehow able to achieve this balance.
The story here is nothing to write home about, but it almost never is in a Discworld book. It's really just a murder mystery, but the plot serves as a vehicle for the other things that make this book amazing.
Everyone needs to read the "City Watch" books, starting with Guards! Guards! You won't regret it.
July 7, 2010
What interests me most about Terry Pratchett is that he explores (with great subtlety and wit) issues that other fantasy and speculative writers only pay lip service to -- racism, sexism, identity politics. Pratchett's hero, Sam Vimes, dislikes everyone: Dwarves, trolls, werewolves, gnomes, and, most especially, vampires. He is an equal opportunity curmudgeon, but his dislikes (with the exception of vampires) are not based on the identity of "the other" as much as they are on the identity of Sam Vimes. He is, as he says repeatedly, a bastard. He has no faith in the goodness of humankind. He loves his wife, he loves his son, and he loves honesty. He is as unsparing in his assessment of himself as he is aware of the faults of the world around him.
And if this sounds like a dry assessment, then I have done Terry Pratchett a great disservice. He's one of the best writers out there, consistently smart and funny, and if you're feeling low, if the idea of a McCain-Palin administration has you breaking out in a cold sweat, then there is nothing more comforting than reading a book like Feet of Clay. Somehow, Sam Vimes' sour take on his Discworld makes me feel a bit better about our Earth.
And that, my friends, is the genius of comedy.
And if this sounds like a dry assessment, then I have done Terry Pratchett a great disservice. He's one of the best writers out there, consistently smart and funny, and if you're feeling low, if the idea of a McCain-Palin administration has you breaking out in a cold sweat, then there is nothing more comforting than reading a book like Feet of Clay. Somehow, Sam Vimes' sour take on his Discworld makes me feel a bit better about our Earth.
And that, my friends, is the genius of comedy.
October 5, 2024
Re-Read 10/5/24:
This is something like my third time reading this book.
Obviously, I have found something worthwhile in reading them.
This time, it's really Cheery Littlebottom that did it for me. So, she isn't a novelty candle--but not for lack of trying. :)
Great stuff. Period.
Original Review:
I really enjoy the City Watch novels because every character is a hoot. Vimes is off the hooch, Nobby is about to be crowned king, and there are truly mysterious murders going on. And attempted murders. Of Vetinari, no less.
This is one of those super-solid Discworld novels. Pratchett has his thing going on, full tilt. Discrimination is explored on a much broader basis than ever before and just imagine... GOLEMS! So everywhere that NO ONE NOTICES them. Solution?
Revolution. Of a sort. If you're going to demand your freedom, make damn sure you ask for a receipt. :)
This is something like my third time reading this book.
Obviously, I have found something worthwhile in reading them.
This time, it's really Cheery Littlebottom that did it for me. So, she isn't a novelty candle--but not for lack of trying. :)
Great stuff. Period.
Original Review:
I really enjoy the City Watch novels because every character is a hoot. Vimes is off the hooch, Nobby is about to be crowned king, and there are truly mysterious murders going on. And attempted murders. Of Vetinari, no less.
This is one of those super-solid Discworld novels. Pratchett has his thing going on, full tilt. Discrimination is explored on a much broader basis than ever before and just imagine... GOLEMS! So everywhere that NO ONE NOTICES them. Solution?
Revolution. Of a sort. If you're going to demand your freedom, make damn sure you ask for a receipt. :)
March 8, 2019
„Глинени крака“ е роман за относителността. За расовата и половата, но най-вече за относителността на свободата. Това е и роман за различието в гледните точки. Все пак доброто и злото са само въпрос на гледна точка. Разбира се, не на последно място, е роман и за Смърт на мишките.
Тери Пратчет развива доста сериозна тема години преди обществото да се разбуни за нея. Към момента въпросът за изкуствения интелект и дали той може да измести човека (и да го застраши физически) е доста актуален. Не съм много сигурна откъде иде страхът на хората, че собствените им творения може да се обърнат срещу тях. Може би е някаква прастара останка от идолопоклонничеството – направил си си ти тотем и се прекланяш на някакво божество, знаеш ли го, може и вътре някъде да е. Мери Шели е добавила готически отсенки на тази боязливост с „Франкенщайн“, Робърт Луис Стивънсън е продължил традицията със „Странният случай с доктор Джекил и господин Хайд“. Или пък на всички им е ясно, че когато потискаш нещо живо, рано или късно ще има да се каеш за това. При всички случаи си приклещен и го знаеш.
„… обществото, каквото ще да означава проклетата думичка, не винаги си пада по хората, които вършат или казват необходимото.“
Гóлемите на Тери Пратчет удрят по масата и задават логичния въпрос „Какво е да си жив?“. Това, че си създал някого, прави ли те негов господар? Ако питате християнството и Светата инквизиция като упълномощен представител на бог през средновековието – да. От какво трябва да си направен, за да ти е позволено да мислиш и да чувстваш и как разбираш, че имаш това право? Можеш ли да имаш душа, въпреки че си глинена буца? Илън Мъск например смята, че има вероятност хората да са просто пионки в нечия „електронна игра“, която някой е сътворил много отдавна и сега просто наблюдава как драпаме в мигновените си битиета. Ако е вярно (защото Мъск е един от по-ерудираните хора, за които се сещам), все пак ние душа нямаме ли… А гóлемите...?
„Но сега цялата машина, която бръмчеше толкова тихичко, че всички забравяха за съществуването ѝ и я бъркаха с естественото устройство на света, изведнъж пристърга зловещо.“
Обществото е капризен и сложен механизъм. Съставено е от множество зъбчатки, които трябва се движат в синхрон, за да върви работата. Както може да се очаква, това (почти) никога не се случва. „Глинени крака“ е метафора на разслоението, на счупената призма на самообявилия се елит и на борбата за равноправие. Не са пропуснати и тайните общества и джуджетата, които се питат дали е уместно да си обръснат брадатите. С риск да се повторя (кого заблуждавам, това го пиша във всичките си рецензии за романи на Тери Пратчет), не се сещам за друг автор, който да умее така точно да насини окото и да разкървави носа на статуквото и едновременно с това да те кара да подцвилваш от смях между изреченията.
Следващия път, когато се почувствате нещо повече от друг вид, запитайте се дали и вас не ви гледа нещо отнякъде и дали не си мисли същото.
„Той мисли, че е жив, и на мен туй ми стига.“
Тери Пратчет развива доста сериозна тема години преди обществото да се разбуни за нея. Към момента въпросът за изкуствения интелект и дали той може да измести човека (и да го застраши физически) е доста актуален. Не съм много сигурна откъде иде страхът на хората, че собствените им творения може да се обърнат срещу тях. Може би е някаква прастара останка от идолопоклонничеството – направил си си ти тотем и се прекланяш на някакво божество, знаеш ли го, може и вътре някъде да е. Мери Шели е добавила готически отсенки на тази боязливост с „Франкенщайн“, Робърт Луис Стивънсън е продължил традицията със „Странният случай с доктор Джекил и господин Хайд“. Или пък на всички им е ясно, че когато потискаш нещо живо, рано или късно ще има да се каеш за това. При всички случаи си приклещен и го знаеш.
„… обществото, каквото ще да означава проклетата думичка, не винаги си пада по хората, които вършат или казват необходимото.“
Гóлемите на Тери Пратчет удрят по масата и задават логичния въпрос „Какво е да си жив?“. Това, че си създал някого, прави ли те негов господар? Ако питате християнството и Светата инквизиция като упълномощен представител на бог през средновековието – да. От какво трябва да си направен, за да ти е позволено да мислиш и да чувстваш и как разбираш, че имаш това право? Можеш ли да имаш душа, въпреки че си глинена буца? Илън Мъск например смята, че има вероятност хората да са просто пионки в нечия „електронна игра“, която някой е сътворил много отдавна и сега просто наблюдава как драпаме в мигновените си битиета. Ако е вярно (защото Мъск е един от по-ерудираните хора, за които се сещам), все пак ние душа нямаме ли… А гóлемите...?
„Но сега цялата машина, която бръмчеше толкова тихичко, че всички забравяха за съществуването ѝ и я бъркаха с естественото устройство на света, изведнъж пристърга зловещо.“
Обществото е капризен и сложен механизъм. Съставено е от множество зъбчатки, които трябва се движат в синхрон, за да върви работата. Както може да се очаква, това (почти) никога не се случва. „Глинени крака“ е метафора на разслоението, на счупената призма на самообявилия се елит и на борбата за равноправие. Не са пропуснати и тайните общества и джуджетата, които се питат дали е уместно да си обръснат брадатите. С риск да се повторя (кого заблуждавам, това го пиша във всичките си рецензии за романи на Тери Пратчет), не се сещам за друг автор, който да умее така точно да насини окото и да разкървави носа на статуквото и едновременно с това да те кара да подцвилваш от смях между изреченията.
Следващия път, когато се почувствате нещо повече от друг вид, запитайте се дали и вас не ви гледа нещо отнякъде и дали не си мисли същото.
„Той мисли, че е жив, и на мен туй ми стига.“
July 25, 2020
More tomorrow 😀😀
So where do I start with this novel, easy answer is to read any of my reviews for previous Sir Terry Pratchett Discworld novels. Seriously Sir Terry manages to maintain an unbelievable standard of humour and writing whilst developing a theme that lasts for over 40 books (i think). A cast of ever increasing characters that return in different settings and in their own books.
In this book we are back very firmly in Ankh-Morpork, and focussed one more on the Watch led by Commander Sir Samuel Vimes. Everything seems to be happening at once, two unrelated people are murdered, Lord Vetinari is poisoned and Vimes desparetly wants a drink. Corporal Nobbs is buttered up by the leaders of Ankh Morpork society, Captain Carrot wants to show his "Friend" Angua a dwarf Bread museum , and with crime on the increase new people are joining the Watch every day; werewolves, "lady" dwarves, experimenting with make up; and gargoyles who are good at watching.
Can Vimes draw all the leads and clues together before the Guilds run riot and a King is produced to rule Ankh Morpork. Amidst the chaos and with the help of a self governing Golem, Vimes races to a conclusion, but is its the right one ?
A wonderful novel, worthy of the 5 stars
So where do I start with this novel, easy answer is to read any of my reviews for previous Sir Terry Pratchett Discworld novels. Seriously Sir Terry manages to maintain an unbelievable standard of humour and writing whilst developing a theme that lasts for over 40 books (i think). A cast of ever increasing characters that return in different settings and in their own books.
In this book we are back very firmly in Ankh-Morpork, and focussed one more on the Watch led by Commander Sir Samuel Vimes. Everything seems to be happening at once, two unrelated people are murdered, Lord Vetinari is poisoned and Vimes desparetly wants a drink. Corporal Nobbs is buttered up by the leaders of Ankh Morpork society, Captain Carrot wants to show his "Friend" Angua a dwarf Bread museum , and with crime on the increase new people are joining the Watch every day; werewolves, "lady" dwarves, experimenting with make up; and gargoyles who are good at watching.
Can Vimes draw all the leads and clues together before the Guilds run riot and a King is produced to rule Ankh Morpork. Amidst the chaos and with the help of a self governing Golem, Vimes races to a conclusion, but is its the right one ?
A wonderful novel, worthy of the 5 stars
May 19, 2017
This book was my FIRST EVER read of Terry Pratchett works. I put 5 star rating because this book introduced me to a wonderful universe and a great author.
Discworld Watch Lineup by Ligeias-Ghost from Deviant Art
I highly recommend to read editions that have illustrations of coat-of-arms that appeared in the story. At my first read from a library book, it was a hardcover Gollancz edition with the coat-of-arms illustrations before the story began. Let's just say the coat-of-arms have significant part in the story. I would have problem imagine the coat-of-arms without the illustrations.
This novel is an excellent mix between parody humorous fantasy setting with crime mystery plot. A perfect enjoyable read for me. For people who had read other Watch stories, they could see the patterns in plots resemble the previous novels, with some improvements.
The only bad things are Patrician Vetinari and Lady Sybil has minor role on this book. They have more shining in other Watch novels.
Although I still recommend Guards! Guards! for starter novel of Watch series, and if you like Guards! Guards! then I beg you to read the series at least up to this book.
Discworld Watch Lineup by Ligeias-Ghost from Deviant ArtI highly recommend to read editions that have illustrations of coat-of-arms that appeared in the story. At my first read from a library book, it was a hardcover Gollancz edition with the coat-of-arms illustrations before the story began. Let's just say the coat-of-arms have significant part in the story. I would have problem imagine the coat-of-arms without the illustrations.
This novel is an excellent mix between parody humorous fantasy setting with crime mystery plot. A perfect enjoyable read for me. For people who had read other Watch stories, they could see the patterns in plots resemble the previous novels, with some improvements.
The only bad things are Patrician Vetinari and Lady Sybil has minor role on this book. They have more shining in other Watch novels.
Although I still recommend Guards! Guards! for starter novel of Watch series, and if you like Guards! Guards! then I beg you to read the series at least up to this book.
September 9, 2025
"E porti un mandato di perquisizione.
Vuol dire il martello a manico lungo, signore?"
Strane morti nella nebbia di Ankh-Morpork ridestano, ancora una volta, le abilità investigative della Guardia Cittadina meno credibile del Mondo Disco. L' istinto guida i loro passi, tra Golem di argilla fuori controllo e avvelenamenti poco salutari. Titoli nobiliari ritrovati, lupi mannari in gonnella e nane con la barba in cerca di stile.
Non mancano le solite, meravigliose, frecciatine alla religione, alla società, alla classe politica e temi come l' accettazione del diverso e della libertà di espressione.
Altro divertentissimo capitolo della saga di Mondo Disco, dove l' esperto e irreprensibile comandante Vimes, lo zelante ed entusiasta capitano Carota e tutti gli altri particolarissimi membri della guardia cittadina, danno il loro meglio, tra rocambolesche avventure e battute da osteria che non mancano mai di fine sagacia.
"Chi è lo gnomo che sta prendendo a testate il toro, Fred?"
----------------------
4⭐
"And bring a search warrant.
You mean the long-handled hammer, sir?"
Strange deaths in the fog of Ankh-Morpork once again awaken the investigative skills of the Discworld's least credible City Watch. Instinct guides their steps, amidst out-of-control clay golems and unhealthy poisonings. Reclaimed noble titles, werewolves in skirts, and bearded dwarves in search of style.
There's no shortage of the usual, wonderful jabs at religion, society, the political class, and themes such as acceptance of diversity and freedom of expression.
Another hilarious chapter in the Discworld saga, where Commander Vimes, Captain Carrot and all the very particular members of the city guard give their best, between daring adventures and bar jokes that never lack fine wit.
"Who's the gnome headbutting the bull, Fred?"
Vuol dire il martello a manico lungo, signore?"
Strane morti nella nebbia di Ankh-Morpork ridestano, ancora una volta, le abilità investigative della Guardia Cittadina meno credibile del Mondo Disco. L' istinto guida i loro passi, tra Golem di argilla fuori controllo e avvelenamenti poco salutari. Titoli nobiliari ritrovati, lupi mannari in gonnella e nane con la barba in cerca di stile.
Non mancano le solite, meravigliose, frecciatine alla religione, alla società, alla classe politica e temi come l' accettazione del diverso e della libertà di espressione.
Altro divertentissimo capitolo della saga di Mondo Disco, dove l' esperto e irreprensibile comandante Vimes, lo zelante ed entusiasta capitano Carota e tutti gli altri particolarissimi membri della guardia cittadina, danno il loro meglio, tra rocambolesche avventure e battute da osteria che non mancano mai di fine sagacia.
"Chi è lo gnomo che sta prendendo a testate il toro, Fred?"
----------------------
4⭐
"And bring a search warrant.
You mean the long-handled hammer, sir?"
Strange deaths in the fog of Ankh-Morpork once again awaken the investigative skills of the Discworld's least credible City Watch. Instinct guides their steps, amidst out-of-control clay golems and unhealthy poisonings. Reclaimed noble titles, werewolves in skirts, and bearded dwarves in search of style.
There's no shortage of the usual, wonderful jabs at religion, society, the political class, and themes such as acceptance of diversity and freedom of expression.
Another hilarious chapter in the Discworld saga, where Commander Vimes, Captain Carrot and all the very particular members of the city guard give their best, between daring adventures and bar jokes that never lack fine wit.
"Who's the gnome headbutting the bull, Fred?"
January 21, 2024
While I gave 5 stars to both Guards! Guards! and Men at Arms, because they are about Samual Vimes and the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, I know that they are not the best books of either Discworld or the Watch sub-series. Especially compared to Feet of Clay, where you can clearly feel that Sir Terry really got into his stride both with characterisation, story and "message". Within the Watch-series, this is where things got sharp and the characters (Sam Vimes, Carrot, Angua...) already got that edge that got me totally intrigued and fascinated.
And here's looking at you Sherlock...
“Samuel Vimes dreamed about Clues. He had a jaundiced view of Clues. He instinctively distrusted them. They got in the way. And he distrusted the kind of person who’d take one look at another man and say in a lordly voice to his companion, “Ah, my dear sir, I can tell you nothing except that he is a left-handed stonemason who has spent some years in the merchant navy and has recently fallen on hard times,” and then unroll a lot of supercilious commentary about calluses and stance and the state of a man’s boots, when exactly the same comments could apply to a man who was wearing his old clothes because he’d been doing a spot of home bricklaying for a new barbecue pit, and had been tattooed once when he was drunk and seventeen and in fact got seasick on a wet pavement. What arrogance! What an insult to the rich and chaotic variety of the human experience!”
And here's looking at you Sherlock...
“Samuel Vimes dreamed about Clues. He had a jaundiced view of Clues. He instinctively distrusted them. They got in the way. And he distrusted the kind of person who’d take one look at another man and say in a lordly voice to his companion, “Ah, my dear sir, I can tell you nothing except that he is a left-handed stonemason who has spent some years in the merchant navy and has recently fallen on hard times,” and then unroll a lot of supercilious commentary about calluses and stance and the state of a man’s boots, when exactly the same comments could apply to a man who was wearing his old clothes because he’d been doing a spot of home bricklaying for a new barbecue pit, and had been tattooed once when he was drunk and seventeen and in fact got seasick on a wet pavement. What arrogance! What an insult to the rich and chaotic variety of the human experience!”
![Profile Image for Anna [Bran. San. Stan].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1593184464i%2F98245866._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 31, 2023
Another wonderful book in the City Watch series. While it offers the usual sociopolitical commentary, I’m really here for the hilariousness of it all. My favorite silliness was, hands down, Battle Bread – bread made exclusively as a weapon.
“Bread’s his life. He wrote the definitive work on offensive baking. […] [T]here were also buns, close-combat crumpets, deadly throwing toast and a huge dusty array of other shapes devised by a race that went in for food-fighting in a big and above all terminal way.”
I’ve also always particularly enjoyed when a new member of the City Guard was sworn in. It’s just always so wonderfully absurd.
“I, Dorfl, Pending The Discovery Of A Deity Whose Existence Withstands Rational Debate, Swear By The Temporary Precepts of A Self-Derived Moral System –“
More, please!
“Bread’s his life. He wrote the definitive work on offensive baking. […] [T]here were also buns, close-combat crumpets, deadly throwing toast and a huge dusty array of other shapes devised by a race that went in for food-fighting in a big and above all terminal way.”
I’ve also always particularly enjoyed when a new member of the City Guard was sworn in. It’s just always so wonderfully absurd.
“I, Dorfl, Pending The Discovery Of A Deity Whose Existence Withstands Rational Debate, Swear By The Temporary Precepts of A Self-Derived Moral System –“
More, please!
January 29, 2025
Assassination attempt causes political upheaval, robots uprising and gender issues in Ankh-Morpork.
Funny, thought provoking and surprisingly topical.
Funny, thought provoking and surprisingly topical.
March 12, 2025
„Глинени крака“ е един от най-силните романи от забележителната поредица за Градската стража! Сюжетът не само проследява опасно разследване в Анкх-Морпорк, но и същевременно засяга важни обществени теми... Тери Пратчет е съчетал безапелационна политическа сатира и изключително забавни фентъзи премеждия, умело изграждайки незабравимите образи на лорд Ветинари и командир Ваймс.
„Ветинари успя да опитоми Анкх-Морпорк точно както се дресира куче. Взе един от по-дребните хищници сред множество други зверове наоколо, удължи зъбите му, укрепи челюстите му, разви мускулите му, сложи му нашийник с остри шипове, напълни му стомаха с най-отбрано месо, а после го насъска да захапе света за гърлото.
Накара всички шайки и групички да проумеят, че е по-добре редовно да си режеш парче от тортата, отколкото да я налапаш цялата заедно с ловко пъхнатото в нея кълцан�� стъкло. Принуди ги да си научат урока — малкото парче е особено вкусно, ако тортата расте непрекъснато.“
„Ветинари успя да опитоми Анкх-Морпорк точно както се дресира куче. Взе един от по-дребните хищници сред множество други зверове наоколо, удължи зъбите му, укрепи челюстите му, разви мускулите му, сложи му нашийник с остри шипове, напълни му стомаха с най-отбрано месо, а после го насъска да захапе света за гърлото.
Накара всички шайки и групички да проумеят, че е по-добре редовно да си режеш парче от тортата, отколкото да я налапаш цялата заедно с ловко пъхнатото в нея кълцан�� стъкло. Принуди ги да си научат урока — малкото парче е особено вкусно, ако тортата расте непрекъснато.“
July 18, 2022
Weekend activity: hanging out with hubby & daughter, listening to one of my favorite volumes of the amazing Discworld series! It was thrilling to see how much my family enjoyed this story also.
January 23, 2019
This 19th Discworld novel is, once again, a small masterpiece. Yes, I‘m aware I sound like a broken record but it seems all of the novels have and keep this level of quality. It‘s something to behold.
This time, we are back in Ankh-Morpork, following Sam Vimes and the City Watch while they are trying to solve a few puzzling murders. It doesn‘t help that Vimes is a man of honour which means he‘ll keep his promise to his wife that he won‘t drink.
But the City Watch, now seriously enlargened and keeping to build Watch Houses, gets a charming addition: Cheery Little Bottom (a dwarf and alchemist). What better place to group together this bunch of misfits?
Soon, it‘s not just the murders they have to solve because Lord Vetinari has also been poisoned and even though he recovers regularly, he also keeps getting worse again shortly afterwards.
Not to mention that half the city is almost up in flames (literally) because of the golems.
But never fear, the City Watch is on the case. Or do fear ... fear very much.
Artificial intelligence (well, the Discworld version of it), racism/discrimination, misogyny, religious beliefs ... and Knobby being crowned king of Ankh-Morpork (almost). That‘s one hell of a combination and thanks to the quirky characters of the watch (Colon as much as Angua, too), it‘s a wild smelly ride that works wonderfully. I kept chuckling, often even laughing out loud. From the power of words to destiny, the truly fantastic puns the author kept working in are what are standing out the most here. This installment isn’t as laugh-out-loud funny as others, but its humour is deep. Pratchett has always been great at putting a different spin at everyday expressions and conceptions but I think he put more of that in here (not least of all because the golems are all about the power of words).
My heart broke when . Tragic. And so life-like, of course.
Who I always love is Carrot. How he has no sense of humour (let alone sarcasm) whatsoever and what you see is what you get (or what he says). I especially enjoyed the scene with him „making others see his point“ (both the point of his sword and the point he was getting to when explaining the problem with the golems to people). And yet, despite a man of his word being the ideal, the author realistically shows what the shortcoming of such a person would be - because being only one thing is never enough, it can always backfire. Which is why he/we need(s) the others.
And despite Ankh-Morpork not being my favourite place on the Disc, I always feel at home, here, too. Which is why I thought it was such a wonderful scene when Vimes was able to take off his perfect boots at one point and exchange them against a used pair that let him feel every pebble as that is how he knows „his“ city.
Or his organizer!!! That was an source of endless delight. :D
Small scenes but definitely not unimportant. This is one of the strengths of Sir Terry: mundane (in a fantastical sense of the world) characters or settings or even only just one sentence delivering a powerful message, making this entire world come to life in a way that set the bar impossibly high for anyone else.
Once again, Nigel Planer brought to life a diverse cast of impossible characters and I‘m already sad to know that he won‘t narrate all of them. I love the paperbacks with their funny covers but the audiobooks give the entire thing an additional flair.
This time, we are back in Ankh-Morpork, following Sam Vimes and the City Watch while they are trying to solve a few puzzling murders. It doesn‘t help that Vimes is a man of honour which means he‘ll keep his promise to his wife that he won‘t drink.
But the City Watch, now seriously enlargened and keeping to build Watch Houses, gets a charming addition: Cheery Little Bottom (a dwarf and alchemist). What better place to group together this bunch of misfits?
Soon, it‘s not just the murders they have to solve because Lord Vetinari has also been poisoned and even though he recovers regularly, he also keeps getting worse again shortly afterwards.
Not to mention that half the city is almost up in flames (literally) because of the golems.
But never fear, the City Watch is on the case. Or do fear ... fear very much.
Artificial intelligence (well, the Discworld version of it), racism/discrimination, misogyny, religious beliefs ... and Knobby being crowned king of Ankh-Morpork (almost). That‘s one hell of a combination and thanks to the quirky characters of the watch (Colon as much as Angua, too), it‘s a wild smelly ride that works wonderfully. I kept chuckling, often even laughing out loud. From the power of words to destiny, the truly fantastic puns the author kept working in are what are standing out the most here. This installment isn’t as laugh-out-loud funny as others, but its humour is deep. Pratchett has always been great at putting a different spin at everyday expressions and conceptions but I think he put more of that in here (not least of all because the golems are all about the power of words).
My heart broke when . Tragic. And so life-like, of course.
Who I always love is Carrot. How he has no sense of humour (let alone sarcasm) whatsoever and what you see is what you get (or what he says). I especially enjoyed the scene with him „making others see his point“ (both the point of his sword and the point he was getting to when explaining the problem with the golems to people). And yet, despite a man of his word being the ideal, the author realistically shows what the shortcoming of such a person would be - because being only one thing is never enough, it can always backfire. Which is why he/we need(s) the others.
And despite Ankh-Morpork not being my favourite place on the Disc, I always feel at home, here, too. Which is why I thought it was such a wonderful scene when Vimes was able to take off his perfect boots at one point and exchange them against a used pair that let him feel every pebble as that is how he knows „his“ city.
Or his organizer!!! That was an source of endless delight. :D
Small scenes but definitely not unimportant. This is one of the strengths of Sir Terry: mundane (in a fantastical sense of the world) characters or settings or even only just one sentence delivering a powerful message, making this entire world come to life in a way that set the bar impossibly high for anyone else.
Once again, Nigel Planer brought to life a diverse cast of impossible characters and I‘m already sad to know that he won‘t narrate all of them. I love the paperbacks with their funny covers but the audiobooks give the entire thing an additional flair.
May 15, 2021
Fantastic. One of the best in the series so far, in publication order. Pratchett's plotting really found its stride by this point. The ultimate villain was pretty weak, but the golems were amazing.
Notable for the introduction of Cherry Littlebottom, a female dwarf who bucks tradition to actually appear female. She was probably not fully intended by Pratchett to push acceptance of gender-bending, more likely just meant to emphasize his long-running broader theme of progress versus traditionalism, as cultural change develops in Ankh-Morpork and then disseminates to the rest of the Disc.
Notable for the introduction of Cherry Littlebottom, a female dwarf who bucks tradition to actually appear female. She was probably not fully intended by Pratchett to push acceptance of gender-bending, more likely just meant to emphasize his long-running broader theme of progress versus traditionalism, as cultural change develops in Ankh-Morpork and then disseminates to the rest of the Disc.
November 10, 2023
Usually, I'm a fan of Sir Pratchett's stories, but not this time. This story lacks his usual humor to its detriment and I could find nothing to enjoy here. 0 of 10 stars
October 5, 2024
The 19th in my re-read of the entire Discworld series and it was like coming home!
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this 19th book (in chronological order) are:
*takes a deep breath*
*regrets it instantly*
You smell that? The smell of Ankh-Morpork. The distinct smell of ... guild schemes, various assassination techniques (guild-sanctioned and otherwise), dragonfire and various other "things".
After an ominous prologue of sorts that introduced a new kind of golem, we dive straight back into solid police work with Commander Vimes and his City Watch as they have at least one murder to solve - while also trying to stop whoever it is that is trying (and succeeding at least a little) to poison Lord Vetinari.
Meanwhile, the guilds are starting to get antsy with the expectation of a soon-to-appear power vacuum and the work golems commit suicide which is quite impossible.
There is a lot going on in the city. From Vimes having to come to terms with the confines of being His Lordship to Nobby finding out about his unbelievable heritage to the newest member of The Watch being Cheery Littlebottom to said new forensics officer struggling with coming out as a female dwarf to the actual mystery of how all of this is connected.
Once again, a wonderful whodunnit. ore than that, though, this book was all about everything "different". From racism to artificial intelligence to misogyny to the clash of various belief systems to power plays and the maniacal greed for (more) power even if one might actually know one isn't suited for it. Bonkers, all of it! Just like our world.
I particularly liked watching Cheery and Angua trying to be themselves despite the male-dominated field in which they work and cultures they come from. In this regard, I have to once again mention just how wonderful Sam Vimes is: no, he is not perfect, but damn! He tries so very hard for everyone around him! If he wasn't married already ... ;P
And I loved that Cheery wasn't perfect just because she was a victim of misogyny herself. Just like Carrot wasn't perfect after all and had to learn a lesson or two. I miss really balanced and realistic characters so much in modern-day stories!
Jon Culshaw was once again brilliant in narratirng this adventure in his signature gritty voice that nevertheless didn't just fit "the copper" but the other characters as well.
Just brilliant!
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this 19th book (in chronological order) are:
*takes a deep breath*
*regrets it instantly*
You smell that? The smell of Ankh-Morpork. The distinct smell of ... guild schemes, various assassination techniques (guild-sanctioned and otherwise), dragonfire and various other "things".
After an ominous prologue of sorts that introduced a new kind of golem, we dive straight back into solid police work with Commander Vimes and his City Watch as they have at least one murder to solve - while also trying to stop whoever it is that is trying (and succeeding at least a little) to poison Lord Vetinari.
Meanwhile, the guilds are starting to get antsy with the expectation of a soon-to-appear power vacuum and the work golems commit suicide which is quite impossible.
There is a lot going on in the city. From Vimes having to come to terms with the confines of being His Lordship to Nobby finding out about his unbelievable heritage to the newest member of The Watch being Cheery Littlebottom to said new forensics officer struggling with coming out as a female dwarf to the actual mystery of how all of this is connected.
Once again, a wonderful whodunnit. ore than that, though, this book was all about everything "different". From racism to artificial intelligence to misogyny to the clash of various belief systems to power plays and the maniacal greed for (more) power even if one might actually know one isn't suited for it. Bonkers, all of it! Just like our world.
I particularly liked watching Cheery and Angua trying to be themselves despite the male-dominated field in which they work and cultures they come from. In this regard, I have to once again mention just how wonderful Sam Vimes is: no, he is not perfect, but damn! He tries so very hard for everyone around him! If he wasn't married already ... ;P
And I loved that Cheery wasn't perfect just because she was a victim of misogyny herself. Just like Carrot wasn't perfect after all and had to learn a lesson or two. I miss really balanced and realistic characters so much in modern-day stories!
Jon Culshaw was once again brilliant in narratirng this adventure in his signature gritty voice that nevertheless didn't just fit "the copper" but the other characters as well.
Just brilliant!
November 22, 2024
Це мабуть один з найбільш соціальних творів Дискосвіту.
І Варта як завжди на висоті.
Фірмовий гумор.
Окремо хочу подякувати перекладачу. Адаптація діалектів та говірок просто 100/10.
І Варта як завжди на висоті.
Фірмовий гумор.
Окремо хочу подякувати перекладачу. Адаптація діалектів та говірок просто 100/10.
Read
March 16, 2024Nekad vas jako iznenadi sopstveno pamćenje. Iz ovog Pračeta ostala mi je maglovita uspomena da se dešava nešto s golemima (sad vidim da je to osnovni zaplet, 95% knjige, Pračet u naponu snage) i vrlo jasna slika o postepenom osvajanju ženstvenosti od strane patuljice prelepog imena Čiri Litlbotom: 5% uvrh glave, ali tačno sam se sećala trenutaka kad iskrsnu najpre žensko ime! pa šminka! pa suknja! Štiklice zavarene za okovane čizme! Stvarno nikad ne zna čovek s čim će se identifikovati.
January 17, 2022
“Commander, I always used to consider that you had a definite anti-authoritarian streak in you.”
“Sir?”
“It seems that you have managed to retain this even though you are authority.”
“Sir?”
“That’s practically zen.”
The last book I read in 2021 and it was a great one to finish the year on! I'm keeping my Discworld reviews brief, just noting that this one is another instant favourite (and yes, I've said that about the books so far). I love Terry Pratchett's mind and I am glad I have this series to go on with in 2022. Reliably excellent, funny, emotional, insightful etc. Truly a wonderful series.
“You are in favour of the common people?” said Dragon mildly.
The common people?” said Vimes. “They’re nothing special. They’re no different from the rich and powerful except they’ve got no money or power. But the law should be there to balance things up a bit. So I suppose I’ve got to be on their side.”
***********
“It wasn't by eliminating the impossible that you got at the truth, however improbable; it was by the much harder process of eliminating the possibilities. You worked away, patiently asking questions and looking hard at things. You walked and talked, and in your heart you just hoped like hell that some bugger's nerve'd crack and he'd give himself up.”
***********
“The real world was far too real to leave neat little hints. It was full of too many things. It wasn’t by eliminating the impossible that you got at the truth, however improbable; it was by the much harder process of eliminating the possibilities.”
“Sir?”
“It seems that you have managed to retain this even though you are authority.”
“Sir?”
“That’s practically zen.”
The last book I read in 2021 and it was a great one to finish the year on! I'm keeping my Discworld reviews brief, just noting that this one is another instant favourite (and yes, I've said that about the books so far). I love Terry Pratchett's mind and I am glad I have this series to go on with in 2022. Reliably excellent, funny, emotional, insightful etc. Truly a wonderful series.
“You are in favour of the common people?” said Dragon mildly.
The common people?” said Vimes. “They’re nothing special. They’re no different from the rich and powerful except they’ve got no money or power. But the law should be there to balance things up a bit. So I suppose I’ve got to be on their side.”
***********
“It wasn't by eliminating the impossible that you got at the truth, however improbable; it was by the much harder process of eliminating the possibilities. You worked away, patiently asking questions and looking hard at things. You walked and talked, and in your heart you just hoped like hell that some bugger's nerve'd crack and he'd give himself up.”
***********
“The real world was far too real to leave neat little hints. It was full of too many things. It wasn’t by eliminating the impossible that you got at the truth, however improbable; it was by the much harder process of eliminating the possibilities.”
May 9, 2025
*** 4.39 ***
Another fun installment in the Discworld Universe. It was wonderful to spend some time with The City Watch and a new friend, Cheery Littlebottom😃. Another murder mystery solved. And the plight of a people for personal freedom. This series feels like a pair of favorite, worn, comfortable shoes! Familiar and cozy! Love it!❤️😀👍
Another fun installment in the Discworld Universe. It was wonderful to spend some time with The City Watch and a new friend, Cheery Littlebottom😃. Another murder mystery solved. And the plight of a people for personal freedom. This series feels like a pair of favorite, worn, comfortable shoes! Familiar and cozy! Love it!❤️😀👍
February 11, 2022
Once again, Terry Pratchett doesn’t miss
February 6, 2022
�� цій книжці мені надзвичайно сподобалася дружба між Анґвою і Смішинкою Малодупко, go go girls
May 4, 2024
"“I think it’s just potters’ clay,” said Cheery. “We used to use it at the Guild. For making pots,” she added, just in case Angua hadn’t grasped things. “You know? Crucibles and things. This looks like someone tried baking it but didn’t get the heat right. See how it crumbles?”
“Pottery,” said Angua. “I know a potter . . .” She glanced down at the dwarf’s iconograph again. Please, no, she thought. Not one of them?"
Feet of Clay is ostensibly about a golem and the trouble it causes. But it is about life and government and how people treat each other.
Terry Pratchett is a favorite of several of my GR friends. Is it his imaginative details of the “Discworld?” Is it his silliness (just look at the names)? His sarcastic view of history? Or just that there are not many authors who are as entertaining? His world is populated with oddities and skewed visions of what normal life consists of. Yet, in general and in particular in Feet of Clay, Pratchett uses that in making some pointed comments about: discrimination; equal opportunity; good and bad government; the roles of police; and absurd class distictions. The humor often reminds me of Monty Python or Robin Williams at their most absurd.
4.5*
“Pottery,” said Angua. “I know a potter . . .” She glanced down at the dwarf’s iconograph again. Please, no, she thought. Not one of them?"
Feet of Clay is ostensibly about a golem and the trouble it causes. But it is about life and government and how people treat each other.
Terry Pratchett is a favorite of several of my GR friends. Is it his imaginative details of the “Discworld?” Is it his silliness (just look at the names)? His sarcastic view of history? Or just that there are not many authors who are as entertaining? His world is populated with oddities and skewed visions of what normal life consists of. Yet, in general and in particular in Feet of Clay, Pratchett uses that in making some pointed comments about: discrimination; equal opportunity; good and bad government; the roles of police; and absurd class distictions. The humor often reminds me of Monty Python or Robin Williams at their most absurd.
4.5*
March 23, 2015
The butcher, the baker ...
23 March 2015
A part of me, upon learning of Sir Terry's death, thought that it was only fitting to make the next book that I read a Discworld novel; which turned out to be this one. I won't say anything about Sir Terry here as I have already written a blog post on his passing and instead will just speak about this book. In fact, it turned out that so far this was one of the best discworld novels that I have read (and that is saying something since there are quite a few contenders out there, and it also goes to show how great a writer he is if he can still hold my interest this far into the series).
At first Feet of Clay reminded me a lot of the movie I, Robot – you know the one where Will Smith discovers that the robots that were created to serve humanity are actually planning a takeover? The problem is that this book was written quite a few years before Will Smith took to the stage playing a cop in a movie that give the term 'loosely based' a completely new definition (and for those who have not seen the film, but read the book, the only similarities between the two is that they have robots in them – well, not quite, but you get the picture).
Mind you Feet of Clay is definitely a 'cop novel'. I would say a 'cop movie' but it is not actually a movie – it is a novel, but I guess the term is sort of transferable. Okay, it is partly a detective novel because there have been a couple of murders, as well as an assassination attempt (isn't if funny that if a person is unimportant then it is a murder, but if they are important they are assassinated – why can't I be assassinated, it would be much better than being murdered – at least in my opinion), and Captain Vimes is trying to find the person behind it. So Vimes (and the rest of the City Watch) goes out to investige the situation - it isn't as if it is an Agatha Christie novel: you know, set in a static place (unless you consider Anhk-Morpork a static place, but for some reason I really don't think that actually counts) where there are a bunch of culprits and you are supposed to work out the guilty party before the author gives it all away. Okay, Sir Terry does give us some clues, such as the Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker, but that doesn't necessarily tell you how the poison was administered (and it is quite clever in that regards).
So, what has this to do with robots, you ask? Well, the book is about golems - you know those creatures made of clay (or whatever non-living material may be at hand, including corpses, but in Discworld they are made of clay) who do other people's bidding. Well, they do play a role in this book, and they are effectively the magical version of a robot. Actually, to our modern mind, golems really seem to be a magical version of a robot, and Sir Terry plays that idea up to no end. What is interesting is that this idea goes back to the Ancient Greeks (though I can't quite remember which myth it was) where one of the gods, or was it a mortal, I can't remember which off the top of my head, did create something that was remarkably similar to a robot. There is also another legend, from the Jewish Quarter of Prague, where a golem was created to protect the Jews from their enemies (a legend that I discovered when I actually visited that city where I picked up a book called The Prague Golem).
Interestingly enough he is also playing up the fears of automation in this book as well. We, or at least the working class, don't like robots because they take away our jobs. However these robots are so much more efficient, and faster, than any human could ever be. In Discworld we are told that golems do not eat, sleep, or require any maintenance so they are much better than the ordinary worker. However, the problem is that they scare people, they scare people because they are so life like, yet they are unliving. In a sense they have a body, and a mind, but they have no soul. This is probably why I connected it with I Robot (the movie, not the book) because, in many ways, the robots were so creepy because of that very thing. In every sense of the word they were alive, but in reality they were not. Okay, they aren't undead – at least undead beings were at one stage alive, but they are not exactly living either.
Anyway, I should probably finish this review off here, though I should say that I really enjoyed this book, and am compelled to continue reading his books right down to the final one. I'm not sure if I will get to the last one, but at least I will try.
Also, for those who are interested, you can find my tribute to Terry Pratchett here (and sorry, it may not be as fancy as hiding it in computer code, but I felt that I should probably write one anyway).
23 March 2015
A part of me, upon learning of Sir Terry's death, thought that it was only fitting to make the next book that I read a Discworld novel; which turned out to be this one. I won't say anything about Sir Terry here as I have already written a blog post on his passing and instead will just speak about this book. In fact, it turned out that so far this was one of the best discworld novels that I have read (and that is saying something since there are quite a few contenders out there, and it also goes to show how great a writer he is if he can still hold my interest this far into the series).
At first Feet of Clay reminded me a lot of the movie I, Robot – you know the one where Will Smith discovers that the robots that were created to serve humanity are actually planning a takeover? The problem is that this book was written quite a few years before Will Smith took to the stage playing a cop in a movie that give the term 'loosely based' a completely new definition (and for those who have not seen the film, but read the book, the only similarities between the two is that they have robots in them – well, not quite, but you get the picture).
Mind you Feet of Clay is definitely a 'cop novel'. I would say a 'cop movie' but it is not actually a movie – it is a novel, but I guess the term is sort of transferable. Okay, it is partly a detective novel because there have been a couple of murders, as well as an assassination attempt (isn't if funny that if a person is unimportant then it is a murder, but if they are important they are assassinated – why can't I be assassinated, it would be much better than being murdered – at least in my opinion), and Captain Vimes is trying to find the person behind it. So Vimes (and the rest of the City Watch) goes out to investige the situation - it isn't as if it is an Agatha Christie novel: you know, set in a static place (unless you consider Anhk-Morpork a static place, but for some reason I really don't think that actually counts) where there are a bunch of culprits and you are supposed to work out the guilty party before the author gives it all away. Okay, Sir Terry does give us some clues, such as the Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker, but that doesn't necessarily tell you how the poison was administered (and it is quite clever in that regards).
So, what has this to do with robots, you ask? Well, the book is about golems - you know those creatures made of clay (or whatever non-living material may be at hand, including corpses, but in Discworld they are made of clay) who do other people's bidding. Well, they do play a role in this book, and they are effectively the magical version of a robot. Actually, to our modern mind, golems really seem to be a magical version of a robot, and Sir Terry plays that idea up to no end. What is interesting is that this idea goes back to the Ancient Greeks (though I can't quite remember which myth it was) where one of the gods, or was it a mortal, I can't remember which off the top of my head, did create something that was remarkably similar to a robot. There is also another legend, from the Jewish Quarter of Prague, where a golem was created to protect the Jews from their enemies (a legend that I discovered when I actually visited that city where I picked up a book called The Prague Golem).
Interestingly enough he is also playing up the fears of automation in this book as well. We, or at least the working class, don't like robots because they take away our jobs. However these robots are so much more efficient, and faster, than any human could ever be. In Discworld we are told that golems do not eat, sleep, or require any maintenance so they are much better than the ordinary worker. However, the problem is that they scare people, they scare people because they are so life like, yet they are unliving. In a sense they have a body, and a mind, but they have no soul. This is probably why I connected it with I Robot (the movie, not the book) because, in many ways, the robots were so creepy because of that very thing. In every sense of the word they were alive, but in reality they were not. Okay, they aren't undead – at least undead beings were at one stage alive, but they are not exactly living either.
Anyway, I should probably finish this review off here, though I should say that I really enjoyed this book, and am compelled to continue reading his books right down to the final one. I'm not sure if I will get to the last one, but at least I will try.
Also, for those who are interested, you can find my tribute to Terry Pratchett here (and sorry, it may not be as fancy as hiding it in computer code, but I felt that I should probably write one anyway).
June 12, 2021
As a parent and a mentor to youth, the end of this book totally grabbed me as it had not done before. The idea that someone could go as wrong as the king golem because of too many words put in his head...and then the heart wrenching words from Dorfl as he died "WORDS IN THE HEART CANNOT BE TAKEN". I am posting this on my mirror to remind me that I need to put words in the hearts of those I teach, from my children on down and not just in their heads. As always, I love this book...after all, it shows Sir Samuel Vimes doing some of his finest work...
Some quotes I loved:
"I FIND THE BEST APPROACH IS TO TAKE LIFE AS IT COMES." (stated by DEATH and reminiscent of my favorite song...)
"The only thing more difficult than getting him to grasp an idea was getting him to let go of it."
"Mysteries had a way of getting bigger if you didn't solve them quickly. Mysteries pupped."
"It was easy to be a vegetarian by day. It was preventing yourself becoming a humanitarian at night that took the real effort." (concerning Angua, a werewolf)
"They think they want good government and justice for all, Vimes, yet what it is they really crave, deep in their hearts? Only that things go on as normal and tomorrow is pretty much like today."
"If you were going to be successful in the world of crime, you needed a reputation for honesty.
"You had to be on the side of underdogs because they weren't overdogs."
"No thought was involved. It is the ancient instinct of terriers and policemen to chase anything that runs away."
"With the buzz of other people around him, he didn't seem to get in the way of his own thoughts."
"I'm worried and confused. So the first rule in the book is to spread it around."
"No one can be as sane as he is without being mad."
"The royal lines had died out throught interbreeding so intensively that the last king kept trying to breed with himself."
"A horrible apprehension had stolen over him that almost all the answers were in place now, if only he could work out the questions."
"When you've made up your mind to shout out who you are to the world, it's a relief to know that you can do it in a whisper."
"Someone has to be very complex indeed to be as simple as Carrot."
"The common people? They're nothing special. They're no different from the rich and powerful except they've got no money or power. But the law should be there to balance things up a bit. So I suppose I've got to be on their side."
"Atheism is a religious position. Indeed a true atheist thinks of the gods constantly, albeit in terms of denial. Therefore, atheism is a form of belief. If the atheist really did not believe he or she would not bother to deny."
"You say to people 'throw off your chains' and they make new chains for themselves."
Some quotes I loved:
"I FIND THE BEST APPROACH IS TO TAKE LIFE AS IT COMES." (stated by DEATH and reminiscent of my favorite song...)
"The only thing more difficult than getting him to grasp an idea was getting him to let go of it."
"Mysteries had a way of getting bigger if you didn't solve them quickly. Mysteries pupped."
"It was easy to be a vegetarian by day. It was preventing yourself becoming a humanitarian at night that took the real effort." (concerning Angua, a werewolf)
"They think they want good government and justice for all, Vimes, yet what it is they really crave, deep in their hearts? Only that things go on as normal and tomorrow is pretty much like today."
"If you were going to be successful in the world of crime, you needed a reputation for honesty.
"You had to be on the side of underdogs because they weren't overdogs."
"No thought was involved. It is the ancient instinct of terriers and policemen to chase anything that runs away."
"With the buzz of other people around him, he didn't seem to get in the way of his own thoughts."
"I'm worried and confused. So the first rule in the book is to spread it around."
"No one can be as sane as he is without being mad."
"The royal lines had died out throught interbreeding so intensively that the last king kept trying to breed with himself."
"A horrible apprehension had stolen over him that almost all the answers were in place now, if only he could work out the questions."
"When you've made up your mind to shout out who you are to the world, it's a relief to know that you can do it in a whisper."
"Someone has to be very complex indeed to be as simple as Carrot."
"The common people? They're nothing special. They're no different from the rich and powerful except they've got no money or power. But the law should be there to balance things up a bit. So I suppose I've got to be on their side."
"Atheism is a religious position. Indeed a true atheist thinks of the gods constantly, albeit in terms of denial. Therefore, atheism is a form of belief. If the atheist really did not believe he or she would not bother to deny."
"You say to people 'throw off your chains' and they make new chains for themselves."
June 16, 2025
"...'Du hast dem Ding eine Stimme gegeben, und es lebt nicht einmal!'
'Zertrümmert die Gestalt aus Ton!'
'Blasphemie!'...
...'wir hören dir nicht zu!' rief ein anderer Priester. 'Du bis ja nicht einmal lebendig!'...
...'Wenn Ihr Mich Zerschmettert Und Die Scherben Zerstampft Und Die Zerstampften Elemente Zu Pulver Zerreibt Und Das Pulver Anschließend Von Einer Mühle Zu Besonders Feinem Staub Zermahlen Laßt, Findet Ihr Vermutlich Kein Einziges Atom Leben Darin...'
'Stimmt! Also los!'
'Doch Um Einen Wirklich Vollständigen Test Durchzuführen, Muss Jemand Von Euch Die Gleiche Behandlung Über Sich Ergehen Lassen.'
Stille folgte diesen Worten.
'Das ist nicht fair' sagte schließlich ein Priester. 'In deinem Fall braucht man nur den Staub zu nehmen und dich in einem Ofen zu brennen, dann lebst du wieder.'
Ups :D
Quod erat demonstrandum
Wer wissen will, wie es zu dieser interessanten Diskussion kam, sollte dieses Buch lesen. Es ist zutiefst philosophisch und enorm unterhaltsam.
(Zitat: Hohle Köpfe von Terry Pratchett S. 376f)
'Zertrümmert die Gestalt aus Ton!'
'Blasphemie!'...
...'wir hören dir nicht zu!' rief ein anderer Priester. 'Du bis ja nicht einmal lebendig!'...
...'Wenn Ihr Mich Zerschmettert Und Die Scherben Zerstampft Und Die Zerstampften Elemente Zu Pulver Zerreibt Und Das Pulver Anschließend Von Einer Mühle Zu Besonders Feinem Staub Zermahlen Laßt, Findet Ihr Vermutlich Kein Einziges Atom Leben Darin...'
'Stimmt! Also los!'
'Doch Um Einen Wirklich Vollständigen Test Durchzuführen, Muss Jemand Von Euch Die Gleiche Behandlung Über Sich Ergehen Lassen.'
Stille folgte diesen Worten.
'Das ist nicht fair' sagte schließlich ein Priester. 'In deinem Fall braucht man nur den Staub zu nehmen und dich in einem Ofen zu brennen, dann lebst du wieder.'
Ups :D
Quod erat demonstrandum
Wer wissen will, wie es zu dieser interessanten Diskussion kam, sollte dieses Buch lesen. Es ist zutiefst philosophisch und enorm unterhaltsam.
(Zitat: Hohle Köpfe von Terry Pratchett S. 376f)
October 31, 2024
Es ist schon erstaunlich, in welche Höhen sich Pratchetts Scheibenweltromane aufgeschwungen haben. Aus den eher klamaukigen ersten Bänden entwickelten sich die Reihen um Rincewind, die Hexen (und oft in Verbindung mit beiden auch die Unsichtbare Universität), den Tod und die Stadtwache. Hin und wieder gibt es komplett eigenständige Protagonisten und Settings. Alle ersten Bände dieser Sub-Reihen sind in Ordnung, gut, großartig oder völlig brilliant. Ein persönlicher Favorit von mir wird immer 'Einfach Göttlich' (engl. Small Gods) sein - das für mich erste Meisterwerk der Scheibenwelt.
Doch was Pratchett hier erreicht hat, könnte alles vorige in den Schatten stellen. Die Scheibenwelt ist seit ein paar Bänden endlich zu dem geworden, was sie immer sein konnte; die Figuren sind etabliert; ein weites Panorama and Möglichkeiten bietet sich für Handlungen. In der Vergangenheit konnte Pratchett durch die Fantasyrassen Diskriminierung thematisieren - jetzt geht er sogar noch einen Schritt weiter und führt die Untoten (Zombies, Vampire, Werwölfe) endgültig und Leblosen (Golems) vielleicht zum ersten Mal in sein Universum ein, als Teile der Gesellschaft. Ist jemand weniger eine Person, nur weil sie mehr am Leben ist? Oder immer leblos war?
Und dann die Diskriminierung: Lebende schauen auf Untote herab. Untote aber haben oft einen Hass auf Leblose, denn: diese Golems zeigen sich auch noch in aller Öffentlichkeit, etwas, was den Untoten oft Schwierigkeiten einbringt.
Das bestärkt alles meinen Eindruck, dass die beste Fantasy entweder von Mythologie zehrt oder von Science Fiction - oder von beidem.
Dazu kommt das Anliegen Pratchetts, keine Fantasy zu schreiben, die Könige verherrlicht, sondern Fantasy, die Könige demontiert. Entsprechend kann der immer wieder als zornig beschriebene Pratchett seinem Ärger in Form von Samuel Mumm, Kommandeur der Stadtwache, endlich Luft machen und ihn nebenbei trotzdem in Humor kanalisieren, wie er es sonst immer tut.
Die Handlung ist, wie immer bei der Stadtwache, ein Krimi. Wer hat den alten Priester getötet? Wie ist der Patrizier Vetinari vergiftet worden? Wrr hätte ein Interesse daran, ihn auszuschalten? Und was hat das alles mit der Herkunft von Hauptmann Karotte und Korporal Nobbs zu tun? Nebenbei trauen sich die Zwergenfrauen endlich, sich nicht mehr in ein männliches Geschlechterbild zu zwingen, sondern ihre Weinlichkeit, sofern sie ihnen wichtig ist, mit Stolz zu tragen (eine willkommene feministische Entwicklung, nachdem 'Das Erbe des Zauberers' (engl. Equal Rites) da eher zahm war). Und wie kommt Ankh-Morpork gegen die Tendenz der Leute an, sich jedem zu unterwerfen, der angeblich eine adelige Abstammung nachweisen kann?
Man kann fast alle Scheibenweltromane in beliebiger Reihenfolge lesen, auch wenn die Veröffentlichungsreihenfolge natürlich den Mehrwert bietet, bei allen Anfängen dabei zu sein. Wer die Bücher einmal ausprobieren will, dem Empfehle ich dieses Buch oder 'Einfach Göttlich' - da dürfte dann klar werden, was der Reiz an Terry Pratchetts Schreiben ist.
Hier kann jemand nicht nur Kritik üben und satirisch unsere Wirklichkeit durch den Kakao ziehen, sondern auch zielgenau Alltagsmerkwürdigkeiten in Sprache gießen und einen nebenbei immer die nächste Zeile lesen wollen lassen. Klar könnte man auch stattdessen Buchpreisliteratur lesen ... aber warum sollte man?
Doch was Pratchett hier erreicht hat, könnte alles vorige in den Schatten stellen. Die Scheibenwelt ist seit ein paar Bänden endlich zu dem geworden, was sie immer sein konnte; die Figuren sind etabliert; ein weites Panorama and Möglichkeiten bietet sich für Handlungen. In der Vergangenheit konnte Pratchett durch die Fantasyrassen Diskriminierung thematisieren - jetzt geht er sogar noch einen Schritt weiter und führt die Untoten (Zombies, Vampire, Werwölfe) endgültig und Leblosen (Golems) vielleicht zum ersten Mal in sein Universum ein, als Teile der Gesellschaft. Ist jemand weniger eine Person, nur weil sie mehr am Leben ist? Oder immer leblos war?
Und dann die Diskriminierung: Lebende schauen auf Untote herab. Untote aber haben oft einen Hass auf Leblose, denn: diese Golems zeigen sich auch noch in aller Öffentlichkeit, etwas, was den Untoten oft Schwierigkeiten einbringt.
Das bestärkt alles meinen Eindruck, dass die beste Fantasy entweder von Mythologie zehrt oder von Science Fiction - oder von beidem.
Dazu kommt das Anliegen Pratchetts, keine Fantasy zu schreiben, die Könige verherrlicht, sondern Fantasy, die Könige demontiert. Entsprechend kann der immer wieder als zornig beschriebene Pratchett seinem Ärger in Form von Samuel Mumm, Kommandeur der Stadtwache, endlich Luft machen und ihn nebenbei trotzdem in Humor kanalisieren, wie er es sonst immer tut.
Die Handlung ist, wie immer bei der Stadtwache, ein Krimi. Wer hat den alten Priester getötet? Wie ist der Patrizier Vetinari vergiftet worden? Wrr hätte ein Interesse daran, ihn auszuschalten? Und was hat das alles mit der Herkunft von Hauptmann Karotte und Korporal Nobbs zu tun? Nebenbei trauen sich die Zwergenfrauen endlich, sich nicht mehr in ein männliches Geschlechterbild zu zwingen, sondern ihre Weinlichkeit, sofern sie ihnen wichtig ist, mit Stolz zu tragen (eine willkommene feministische Entwicklung, nachdem 'Das Erbe des Zauberers' (engl. Equal Rites) da eher zahm war). Und wie kommt Ankh-Morpork gegen die Tendenz der Leute an, sich jedem zu unterwerfen, der angeblich eine adelige Abstammung nachweisen kann?
Man kann fast alle Scheibenweltromane in beliebiger Reihenfolge lesen, auch wenn die Veröffentlichungsreihenfolge natürlich den Mehrwert bietet, bei allen Anfängen dabei zu sein. Wer die Bücher einmal ausprobieren will, dem Empfehle ich dieses Buch oder 'Einfach Göttlich' - da dürfte dann klar werden, was der Reiz an Terry Pratchetts Schreiben ist.
Hier kann jemand nicht nur Kritik üben und satirisch unsere Wirklichkeit durch den Kakao ziehen, sondern auch zielgenau Alltagsmerkwürdigkeiten in Sprache gießen und einen nebenbei immer die nächste Zeile lesen wollen lassen. Klar könnte man auch stattdessen Buchpreisliteratur lesen ... aber warum sollte man?
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