Week 29

Where does time like…go.

Like I realize time is fake and the pandemic has only made this worse but! Somehow it is both mid-July AND I only managed to read one short little book this week! Gah!

This week: GUARDS! GUARDS! by Terry Pratchett

#45) GUARDS! GUARDS! by Terry Pratchett

This is the first of The Watch novels that I’ve read, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

One of the joys of going through the Discworld series in chronological order, in my opinion, is getting to see how Pratchett’s writing style evolved, how he goes from telling more traditional fantasy stories to putting more spins on the formula, and departing moreso from the tropes.

What stands out about this book for me in particular are the characters. Vimes, obviously, is one of Pratchett’s greats, and I also really loved Carrot, and Lady Ramkin, and Nobby, and Colon. And it’s always great to see the little appearances of Death.

Also, the stuff with the dragons is all really great.

I also love Pratchett’s way of letting things go unsaid, or unremarked upon - Carrot taking up residence in what is very clearly a brothel is a perfect example of this. Nobody, including the narrative itself, ever says it outright, and nobody ever mentions it to him, but it’s abundantly clear to readers. It’s really the height of comedy, and I loved it a lot. I’m excited to return to these characters and this world again soon.