Author: Terry Pratchett
Binding: Hardcover
Category: Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Limited
Number of pages: 400
ISBN: 9780385609340
RRP: AU$39.95
I am an unashamed fantasy fan, but of course, as in all genres, there is Fantasy and there is fantasy. At its worst, you may find yourself preferring a Mills and Boon novel, but at its best Fantasy beats all the philosophers who are, have been and will ever be both in this time space continuum or indeed, in any of the infinite Multiverse…Because, indeed, Fantasy encompasses them all. “ The idea of the multi-verse; infinite possibilities within infinite possibility, or an ‘enigma wrapped in a riddle’ as Einstein was fond of saying can only be conceived if alternate dimensions closely parallel our own. Otherwise there would be no parallel due to an almost infinite number of variations happening every milli-second”. (S.Ryles) So, not only philosophy, but history, psychology, sociology and ethics become mere tit bits to feed the imaginations of the authors.
But ah, the Master of this genre; the one who creates a (mostly unflattering) mirror image of “our” own perceived world (Roundworld) and does it with flair, humour, satire and irony, is undoubtedly Terry Pratchett. You have worked out by now I am obsessed, but then, I am not alone! Terry Pratchett was knighted for services to Literature in 2009. Today’s review describes Unseen Academicals, the 37th book in the Discworld series which began in 1983 and is translated into 37 languages.
The Discworld has a more medieval flavour than, say, the grand heroic Tolkein style of saga. One flees the vampire ridden wilderness of Uberwald, or the habitat of witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg of mountainous Lancre, to finally arrive at the foetid capital city Ankh Morpork where the humans, dwarves trolls and other despised minority species rub shoulders, and the Tyrant, Lord Vetinari holds sway over the them all, the various guilds and even over the Wizards at the Unseen University.
All the Discworld novels can be read as stand alone, and indeed, generally the perusal of one leads to a compulsion to read them all, and another fan is born. Some place an emphasis on the city guards (police), some on the wizards, some the professions. Even racism, religion, warmongering, the post office and various city institutions do not escape unscathed from Pratchett’s biting and incisive wit. He is a wordsmith using footnotes and puns and quick forays into strange side issues.
Unseen Academicals is about football. Not just any old football, but football Ankh Morpork style. And it has suddenly risen to a position of prominence within the city because the threat exists to the Wizards of the Unseen University of the loss of that extra lunch, by way of reduced funding. When a bequest that affects a wizard’s stomach specifies that a (non magical) football team shall be assembled, the wizards are actually spurred to action. Think of all the horrific tales you have heard about football and you have only just begun. The story revolves around yet another new set of characters brilliantly created and portrayed by Terry, who, as well as being incredibly funny, has an enviable gift for characterization.
If you are a Discworld fan, get the book immediately. If you are curious, read the book and leave feedback, as I can guarantee you will then become one. If you would like to know more, just contact me describing your favoured hobbyhorse or genre rowe46@hotmail.com and I will advise which book would be the best entrée for the feast to come!
Reviewed by Heather Stone
This entry was posted by Heather Stone on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Book Reviews.
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